A ceasefire remains the priority. It is the pivotal objective of Lebanon and the Lebanese, who hope that it will develop into a durable lasting process aligned with the fundamental principles that Lebanon must uphold, rather than remaining a mere truce. In this context, efforts to open channels of negotiation, whatever the source, reflect a profound conviction that continuing the war is no longer an option. It is not only Lebanon, but also the stability of the entire region that stands at a dangerous crossroads.
While it goes without saying that the ceasefire is welcomed, every aspect of this painful war, with all its tragedies and repercussions, remains regrettable.
Despite all the sacrifices Lebanon has made during the brutal assault that targeted both people and infrastructure - from civilians, journalists, paramedics, hospitals, and schools - and despite the displacement of hundreds of thousands within the country, truly shameless figures, both inside and outside the country, continue to lecture others about patriotism and to use empty abstractions. Worse still, some are fueling hate speech and incitement as though our history has taught them nothing.
Those who hide behind screens or outlets that claim professionalism to go so far as to demonize an entire segment of the Lebanese population must be reminded of the fundamental distinction between the people themselves and those who drove them, and all of us, into this war. The residents of the South, the Bekaa, and the southern suburbs of Beirut are Lebanese citizens first and foremost, and they have paid the heaviest costs in this war.
Holding an entire segment of Lebanese society responsible for what has happened is nothing more than a recipe for recreating the strife that has cost the Lebanese so dearly in the past. It also ignores the fact that this very segment has always been in the eye of the storm.
Calls for division, the escalation of sectarian rhetoric, or incitement - whatever the pretext - can lead only to another catastrophe whose costs everyone will bear without exception. Do we need to be reminded of the civil war? Can Lebanon endure new adventures of this kind?
Instead of posturing from behind screens, responsibility and genuine efforts to find real solutions are needed. Those who are theorizing from the comfort of their countries abroad should be concretely contributing to the consolidation of the ceasefire rather than issuing judgments from a safe distance.
In light of the catastrophic aftermath of this aggression, prudence demands deescalation domestically, as well as an openness to any initiatives that could stop the bleeding. Whatever criticisms may be directed at this or that official, attacking constitutional institutions at such a moment serves only to deepen the collapse.
Realism demands dealing with material reality as it is, not waiting for our wish to come true. Accordingly, we have a national duty to cooperate with the president of the republic, the speaker of parliament, and the prime minister to minimize our losses and protect what remains of the country. These institutions, alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces, remain the only framework capable of managing the crisis and preventing total chaos. The army is an indispensable national guarantee for restoring state sovereignty over all Lebanese territory. As for ready-made accusations of treason or negligence, they are dangerous and misguided at a time when there are no red lines and the entire country has become a target.
For this reason, making every political or diplomatic effort to end the war must be regarded as a national duty that cannot be ignored.
Conversely, the scenes of chaotic gunfire are unacceptable. This reprehensible behavior is anathema to patriotism. They are an insult to the suffering of Lebanese who remain trapped under the rubble, the families of the dead and the wounded, and the gravity of the tragedy the country is enduring. Lebanon cannot be built through displays of force, nor can its dignity be preserved by chaos. Lebanon needs awareness, responsibility, and discipline.
Experience shows that only its unity and institutions can protect Lebanon and prevent destructive domestic conflicts. Hence, our responsibility as political forces is to rise to the challenge, put an end to incitement, and seek - albeit belatedly - to pull the country out of this ordeal.
The next phase will not be easy; it will undoubtedly be delicate, and even dangerous. Yet, if handled wisely, it could be an opportunity to reestablish stability and pave a path that protects Lebanon from more catastrophes. Lebanon today needs calm minds, responsibility, and unifying decisions that protects its people, not further division.
