Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has called on the United Nations to swiftly adopt a resolution that mandates an “immediate” ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, the militant group backed by Iran.
Speaking in a televised address, Mikati underscored his government’s commitment to deploying the Lebanese army along the southern border with Israel as part of a broader effort to end the conflict.
He also revealed that Hezbollah had agreed to this move.
Lebanon’s foreign ministry, he announced, would formally request that the UN Security Council pass a resolution demanding a “full and immediate ceasefire” between the two warring parties.
Mikati reaffirmed Lebanon’s adherence to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that only the Lebanese army and international peacekeeping forces should be stationed in southern Lebanon, ensuring that no other armed groups operate in the area.
“The Lebanese government is committed to the deployment of the army in the south and to strengthening its presence along the border,” Mikati said, emphasizing that Hezbollah had also expressed support for this approach.
A Lebanese government source, speaking to AFP, previously confirmed that Hezbollah had agreed to a ceasefire with Israel following the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on September 27.
This marked a significant moment in the conflict, with the militant group reportedly indicating its readiness to halt hostilities under the conditions laid out by Lebanese authorities.
In addition to his call for peace, Mikati condemned recent attacks on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, calling them a “crime.”
The peacekeepers, who monitor the Lebanese-Israeli border, had come under fire on two consecutive days, an assault which Lebanese officials attributed to Israeli forces.
Lebanon’s foreign ministry and official state media corroborated the reports of these attacks, further heightening tensions in the region.
Mikati’s appeal comes at a critical time as Lebanon faces immense pressure to stabilize its southern border, with the fragile ceasefire holding the key to averting a broader regional conflict.
