عربي English Türkçe اردو فارسى
Logo
Latest News
Arab World

Lebanon's Grand Mufti Warns of Danger of Boycotting Parliamentary Elections

Derian leads Eid al-Fitr prayers in Downtown Beirut. (NNA)
Derian leads Eid al-Fitr prayers in Downtown Beirut. (NNA)
TT
TT

Lebanon's Grand Mufti Warns of Danger of Boycotting Parliamentary Elections

Derian leads Eid al-Fitr prayers in Downtown Beirut. (NNA)
Derian leads Eid al-Fitr prayers in Downtown Beirut. (NNA)

Lebanon’s Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdel Latif Derian warned against the danger of boycotting the upcoming parliamentary elections, calling for a heavy turnout.

During his Eid al-Fitr sermon on Monday, Derian stressed the importance to seize “the opportunity to achieve change through the elections.”

The prayers were attended by Prime Minister Najib Mikati, former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora and a number of ambassadors, including Kuwaiti Ambassador Abdul-Al Al-Qenaei.

The Grand Mufti lashed out at those who “turned Lebanon into a failed state,” saying: “None of those useless ones has the courage to admit what their dirty hands committed in corruption and illicit dealings. They classify themselves as angels and saints in order to return to the crime scene again. Beware of their deceptive and misleading statements.”

He went on to say: “They try to make the abuser a well-doer and the criminal a hero, elevating the useless to the highest levels of praise and honor. They are the ones who transformed Lebanon into a failed state begging for water, electricity and bread.”

Derian stressed that the parliamentary elections “are an opportunity for us to change.”

“Let it be a change for the better,” he underlined.

He said that the Lebanese were “capable of rebuilding their country and restoring the collapsed state institutions, based on the selection of members of parliament, which is the gateway to the desired reform.”

The elections are scheduled for May 15.

Following the prayers, Mikati and Siniora visited the tomb of late Prime Minister Rafik Hariri in downtown Beirut.

Most Viewed

 
 
Arab World

Lebanese Army Awaits Political Decision to Implement UNSCR 1701

Soldiers from the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol near the southern village of Marjayoun (AFP).
Soldiers from the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol near the southern village of Marjayoun (AFP).
TT
TT

Lebanese Army Awaits Political Decision to Implement UNSCR 1701

Soldiers from the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol near the southern village of Marjayoun (AFP).
Soldiers from the Lebanese Army and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrol near the southern village of Marjayoun (AFP).

Discussions are underway on the role of the Lebanese army in maintaining security in South Lebanon amid rising optimism about a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701

As part of these preparations, the Lebanese government has begun strengthening the army by recruiting 1,500 new soldiers out of the 6,000 needed, aligning with the outcomes of the Paris Conference held on October 23, which allocated 200 million euros to support the military institution, from a broader package intended to help the Lebanese people during the Israel-Hezbollah war.

In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, a security official highlighted that the army currently has 4,500 personnel stationed south of the Litani River but requires additional manpower.

The unidentified official noted, however, that any effective deployment would require a political decision and government support. “The Lebanese military will implement Resolution 1701 as is, with no intention of clashing with any party. However, if Israel violates Lebanese sovereignty, the army is fully prepared to respond,” he said.

Although Hezbollah opposes withdrawing from south of the Litani and handing over border security duties to the Lebanese military and UNIFIL, claiming the army lacks the capabilities to defend against Israeli aggression, the security source clarified that the military has been authorized to repel any attacks but will avoid initiating conflict. The army’s expanded deployment depends on a political decision, which, once made, will see the military act without hesitation to uphold Lebanese sovereignty.

While military preparedness is essential, Brigadier General Wehbeh Qatisha argues that Lebanon’s security requires more than just troops or advanced weaponry at the border. The presence of the Lebanese military as a representative of the Lebanese state is also a significant deterrent. He pointed out that prior to 1970, Israel refrained from attacking Lebanon, despite a much smaller army. However, he cautioned that even with a substantial deployment today, the persistence of Hezbollah’s military presence would continue to undermine Lebanon’s stability and security.

Since the 1969 Cairo Agreement, which allowed the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) to launch operations against Israel from southern Lebanon, the Lebanese army has been restricted in its ability to enforce security along the border. After the PLO’s departure in 1982, Hezbollah took over military operations in the South. Even after the 2006 war and the adoption of Resolution 1701, which called for the Lebanese military and UNIFIL to secure the border, Hezbollah retained its armed presence and continued to conduct exercises simulating conflict with Israel. The latter violated the international resolution thousands of times, until the last war broke out against the background of turning southern Lebanon into a front supporting Gaza.

Qatisha emphasized that the path to stability lies in comprehensive implementation of international resolutions, particularly 1701 and 1559, and restricting arms to the Lebanese army. He argued that achieving balanced deterrence requires not only military force but also a commitment to diplomacy and international support.