US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has underlined his country’s support for the Lebanese Army and Internal Security Forces (ISF) as the only legitimate guarantor of stability in Lebanon.
In a statement on Saturday, the US State Department said that Blinken told Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati that it was important to respect the interests of his people, who would be affected if the country were drawn into the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
“Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati yesterday to affirm US support for the Lebanese people and noted growing concern over rising tensions along Lebanon’s southern border,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Lebanese government has begun studying an operational emergency plan prepared by the United Nations, to deal with any development, in coordination with international organizations. The plan includes shelter operations, first aid, and humanitarian and relief work.
Hezbollah has also set a preemptive field plan to deal with the repercussions of a potential war in Lebanon, field sources in the South told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, who is in charge of communicating with international institutions, explained that the Lebanese government plan was based on immediate response to any emergency, under the management of the National Disaster Management Committee and in coordination between ministries, departments, associations and humanitarian organizations.
According to well-informed sources, the plan divides the Lebanese regions based on the possible war scenarios, starting with areas that could be subjected to heavy bombardment and need to be evacuated, which are located south of the Litani River. Temporary and urgent shelter centers will be put in place for potential displaced persons.
The second area is located 60 kilometers from the border, and is supposed to receive displaced civilians. This region represents an advanced logistical and emergency supply line and includes east of Sidon and southern Mount Lebanon in the Chouf and Iqlim al-Kharroub. The third zone is the shelter area located in the north and east of Beirut, northern Mount Lebanon, and the districts of Aley and Baabda.
UN sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the government is coordinating the plan with the United Nations, which began its preparations last week, following security developments in the South.
The plan includes ensuring the access of displaced civilians to safe places, providing them with care and humanitarian needs, and securing medicines, medical supplies, and food, in coordination with international organizations and their partners in civil society, mainly the International Red Cross and the World Health Organization.
