Lebanon Rejects Involvement in Regional Conflicts

SadaNews - As tensions escalate in the Middle East following the Israeli-American preemptive strike against Iran today (Saturday), Lebanese officials have warned against any attempt to involve Lebanon in regional conflicts, emphasizing the necessity of keeping Lebanon neutral and protecting its national security and stability.

This morning, Israel launched a series of airstrikes on areas in Lebanon, considered a warning step amid the regional escalation.

According to local media, the final tally included five airstrikes targeting the surroundings of Qatrani in Western Beqaa, two strikes targeting the Barghaz Valley, and one strike targeting the Sijd heights in the Tuffah region.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun conducted a series of calls, including with Prime Minister Naufal Salam, Minister of Public Works Faiz Rasamni, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Aoun, and Army Commander General Rudolf Haikal, along with consultations with Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri, to monitor the rapidly evolving developments in the region and their potential implications.

Aoun stressed the necessity of maintaining the highest levels of readiness and coordination among various constitutional authorities and relevant agencies, affirming that the current sensitive phase requires a complete commitment to national responsibility and prioritizing the supreme interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese people above any other consideration.

He added that protecting Lebanon's sovereignty, security, and stability, and avoiding the disasters of external conflicts are absolute priorities, calling for unifying efforts and enhancing internal solidarity to face looming challenges.

In turn, Lebanese Prime Minister Naufal Salam appealed to all Lebanese people to exercise wisdom and not involve Lebanon in adventures, stating through the "X" platform: "In light of the serious developments in the region, I return to urge all Lebanese to act with wisdom and patriotism, placing the interest of Lebanon and the Lebanese above any other consideration. I reiterate that we will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity."

Moreover, Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Joseph Raji confirmed on his "X" page that "the interest of the nation is above all considerations," reiterating the neutrality slogan three times: "Neutralizing Lebanon. Neutralizing Lebanon. Neutralizing Lebanon."

UN Coordinator in Lebanon Janine Hennis also stated in a declaration: "The Lebanese people have endured successive crises. Today, many tell me: We cannot afford to slip into another crisis. During this critical and dangerous period, all parties in Lebanon must prioritize, in word and deed, the protection of the country and its people from rapidly evolving regional developments."

Additionally, the President of the Lebanese Kataeb Party, Samy Gemayel, affirmed that "Lebanon's interest is above any axis, and the security of the Lebanese is above any external calculations," stressing that any attempt by "Hezbollah" to drag Lebanon into a confrontation in response to Iran's targeting "requires a clear firmness from the Lebanese army."