Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati stressed on Monday that Beirut was keen on steering clear of the repercussions of the escalation in the Palestinian territories.
His remarks were the first official statements since Hezbollah fired rockets towards the Israeli-occupied Shebaa Farms on Sunday.
He stressed that the government’s priority was to preserve security and stability in the South and commit to United Nations Security Council resolution 1701.
A statement from his press office said the PM held local, Arab and international contacts to stress his government’s position and the need for calm to be maintained along the Blue Line that borders Israel.
He also demanded an end to the constant Israeli violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and its withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories.
“Friendly and fraternal countries underlined their keenness on keeping Lebanon away from the explosive situation in the Palestinian territories,” added the statement.
Fortifying Lebanon against these regional developments demands the immediate election of a new president of the republic and an end to the current political tensions, it continued.
“The threat to Lebanon would not target one segment of society or one political movement, but it will have dangerous repercussions on all the people and the situation in the country as a whole,” Mikati said according to the statement.
“Given the regional tensions, it is no longer acceptable for internal divisions and tensions to persist,” he added, calling an end to incitement and stressing the need for unity as Lebanon and the region wade through “one of the most dangerous phases” they have ever seen.
Moreover, he remarked that the developments in the Palestinian territories were an “inevitable culmination of the Israeli enemy’s policies towards the Palestinian people,” who are demanding their legitimate rights.
The first step towards the solution to the conflict lies with the international community assuming its responsibilities in pressuring Israel to return to peace based on the Arab peace initiative that was declared from Beirut in 2002, he went on to say.
Anything other than this will continue the cycle of violence that benefits no one, he warned.
Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib echoed Mikati’s comments, saying: “We don’t want Lebanon to become embroiled in the war.”
The PM is carrying out several contacts to that end, he added after talks with Mikati. “All international powers are also urging us to refrain from becoming dragged to war and this is also Lebanon’s position.”
He said he briefed Mikati on the Arab League meeting that will be held in Cairo to discuss the situation in Gaza.
Mikati also met on Monday with Army Commander Joseph Aoun to discuss the security situation.
