Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Urges Government Formation, Presidential Election

Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai at the concluding ceremony of the Maronite Church's Synod of Bishops' spiritual exercise (Maronite Patriarchate)
Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai at the concluding ceremony of the Maronite Church's Synod of Bishops' spiritual exercise (Maronite Patriarchate)
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Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Urges Government Formation, Presidential Election

Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai at the concluding ceremony of the Maronite Church's Synod of Bishops' spiritual exercise (Maronite Patriarchate)
Maronite Patriarch Bechara al-Rai at the concluding ceremony of the Maronite Church's Synod of Bishops' spiritual exercise (Maronite Patriarchate)

Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rai called for the formation of a new government, asserting his rejection of a "caretaker government," "constitutional vacuum," and "presidential vacancy."

Speaking after the Maronite Church's Synod of Bishops' spiritual exercise, Rai called on civil and political officials to resolve the issue of the government and prepare for electing a new president without delay.

Rai said it is time to decide whether "we are worthy of this nation and its pluralistic composition."

He indicated that the political parties are irresponsible and disregard people's sufferings and the fate of Lebanon."

"This is a delicate stage that calls for choosing a credible prime minister who has the experience, knowledge, and wisdom in public affairs capable of forming a cabinet with the President of the Republic as soon as possible to take urgent decisions, the first of which is to initiate vital and expected reforms," asserted the Patriarch.

He called on the international community to help Lebanon by finding a solution to the presence of Palestinian refugees and displaced Syrians on Lebanese soil, stressing that "the human and brotherly feelings that we have for these two brotherly peoples do not nullify the national thinking in the interest of Lebanon."

Rai noted that it could not be accepted that many parties, especially at the international level, consider refugees and displaced persons a reality that must be adapted to the point of integration, settlement, and naturalization.

He wondered how some countries can claim they are keen on maintaining Lebanon's independence and stability while they work to undermine its unity.

"This is a destructive logic that will inevitably undermine Lebanon's unity and force us to confront it to save Lebanon's entity, its current constitution, and its charter formula."

He called on the Lebanese state to make an exceptional effort by negotiating with the Palestinian Authority, the Arab League, the United Nations, and major countries to redeploy the refugees in countries capable of accommodating them.

He also stressed that the time has come for the displaced Syrians to return and build their homeland.

Lebanese parties are discussing the nomination of a new prime minister amid fears that disparities will prevent the prime minister-designate from forming his cabinet, and the government will remain a caretaker until President Michel Aoun's term expires on October 31.

The bishops of the Maronite Church supported Rai, affirming in their concluding statement their adherence to coexistence, the national pact, and the participatory formula among the Lebanese components in the political system.

They called on political officials to form a new government to address corruption and implement the required reforms.

Meanwhile, the head of the Democratic Gathering parliamentary bloc, MP Taymour Jumblatt, considered that the harsh phase that Lebanon is going through requires reform and a productive government away from all political conflicts, third-party veto power, and ministries attributed to certain parties.

Jumblatt indicated that the government should be capable of communicating with the Arab and international communities.

He underlined the need to highlight the specifications required for any future prime minister, whose priority would be implementing reform plans and negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Jumblatt also stated that the PM must distance himself from drowning in the pitfalls of quotas, and narrow calculations that have always exhausted the country, undermined the aspirations of its youth, and destroyed its institutions.

Furthermore, Lebanon's Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc member, MP Hassan Ezzeddine, stressed the need to form a salvation government capable of protecting Lebanon's sovereignty, wealth, and independence.

MP Hussein Jishi also called for forming a cabinet that takes the initiative as quickly as possible to address urgent matters and award oil and gas extraction contracts, even if it is only in the areas not disputed with Israel, and expand its scope of cooperation to all countries except Israel.

Jishi said that getting out of the economic crisis is possible and requires sovereign political decisions.

He asserted that it is time for cooperation and understanding to save the country, reiterating that the bloc is ready to work with everyone "because we are all in the same boat."



US Opens Diplomatic Track to Revise Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Deal

07 July 2025, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shakes hands with Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack ahead of their meeting in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, in Beirut. Photo: Lebanese Presidency Office Apai/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
07 July 2025, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shakes hands with Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack ahead of their meeting in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, in Beirut. Photo: Lebanese Presidency Office Apai/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
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US Opens Diplomatic Track to Revise Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Deal

07 July 2025, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shakes hands with Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack ahead of their meeting in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, in Beirut. Photo: Lebanese Presidency Office Apai/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
07 July 2025, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun shakes hands with Special Envoy to Syria Thomas Barrack ahead of their meeting in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson, in Beirut. Photo: Lebanese Presidency Office Apai/APA Images via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

A high-stakes visit by US envoy Tom Barrack to Beirut has opened a “diplomatic window” to de-escalate tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, as Lebanese officials formally submitted a response to a US proposal aimed at ending hostilities – one that includes a path toward disarming Hezbollah.

Barrack’s arrival followed a spike in Israeli military activity that many in Lebanon interpreted as a warning: either accept the US-brokered framework or face the risk of wider conflict.

Lebanese officials told Asharq al-Awsat that Barrack praised Beirut’s “measured and thoughtful” response and plans to study it carefully before relaying his feedback through the US Embassy in Beirut within days. He may return to Lebanon within two weeks if progress continues as expected.

The official response, presented in the name of President Michel Aoun, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, did not include Hezbollah’s stance.

The group reportedly abstained from joining the presidential committee tasked with drafting the reply.

Still, Berri later submitted separate comments on behalf of the Shiite political alliance that includes his Amal Movement and Hezbollah.

A source close to Berri said the speaker emphasized the need for a “firm and verifiable ceasefire commitment from Israel before any further discussions.”

US Seeks to Patch Ceasefire Gaps

Speaking to reporters in Beirut, Barrack acknowledged that the ceasefire agreement, which paused cross-border fighting in November, lacked strong enforcement mechanisms.

There was no US guarantor in that deal, he said, suggesting that the current talks aim to close those loopholes.

Salam echoed the sentiment, saying the American envoy brought with him “new arrangements to halt hostilities.”

Barrack, who also serves as the US Ambassador to Türkiye and special envoy on Syria, met with Aoun alongside the US ambassador to Lebanon and other officials.

Following the 90-minute meeting, the presidency issued a statement saying Barrack had received “Lebanon’s comprehensive ideas for a solution.”

“Lebanon Must Seize the Moment”

In remarks to journalists, Barrack urged Lebanon to seize what he called a fleeting opportunity for peace and reconstruction.

“What the government gave us was something spectacular in a very short period of time,” Barrack told reporters after meeting Aoun. “I’m unbelievably satisfied with the response.”

Barrack said the current opportunity would require everyone to compromise a little, including letting go of false hopes, unrealistic expectations, and internal hostilities.

When asked about Hezbollah’s rejection of disarmament, Barrack drew a firm line.

He made it clear that the United States has no intention of engaging directly with Hezbollah, insisting that it is up to the Lebanese themselves to address the group’s role. He dismissed any notion that Washington was pushing for regime change or aiming to reshape Lebanon’s sectarian political system.

Instead, he stressed that meaningful reform must come from within, warning that if Lebanon chooses not to act, the rest of the region will continue advancing without it.

Barrack rejected claims that the United States had failed to ensure Israel’s adherence to the previous ceasefire, arguing that the issue stemmed from the absence of a formal security guarantor.

He explained that while a mechanism existed - primarily through UNIFIL - it lacked the authority and credibility needed to enforce compliance. He noted that the Lebanese government is now working to address those shortcomings.

Barrack revealed that Lebanon’s reply addressed 15 specific points. While some differed from the US proposal, he called the Lebanese response “highly responsible.”

He also linked the US initiative to broader international frameworks, including IMF reforms and Lebanese cabinet policies, suggesting that southern Lebanon’s reconstruction and normalization with Israel are part of a larger diplomatic puzzle.

Barrack also pointed to recent developments involving Israel and Syria, revealing that dialogue between the two has begun, and describing the process as complex but necessary.

As for Lebanon's fraught relationship with Israel, Barrack struck a cautiously hopeful tone. "I believe Lebanon and Israel are ultimately seeking the same thing. Israel does not want war with Lebanon, nor does it wish to occupy Lebanon."

Concluding his remarks, Barrack stressed the role of the US, saying, "America cannot provide all the answers. We can only assist from the outside. The real solutions must come from within."