Lebanon: new prime minister warns Israel against attacking his country

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Najib Mikati arrives for the first cabinet meeting at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of the capital Beirut, on 13 September 2021 [ANWAR AMRO/AFP via Getty Images]

Lebanon’s new Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has warned Israel against carrying out any attack on his country, local media reported on Monday. Mikati stressed Lebanon’s right to respond to any aggression.

Parliament convened to confirm his government. He told MPs that the Lebanese people are looking for a stable and prosperous country. Ironically, the parliamentary session was delayed slightly due to a power cut, the likes of which have been affecting Lebanon for months.

After a marathon session to examine the government’s action plan, 85 MPs voted in favour of the new ministerial line-up, while 15 voted against, reported AFP.

“Lebanese citizens have the right to oppose Israeli occupation, and to respond to its attacks,” insisted the new prime minister. He pledged that his government will work to liberate the Lebanese territory occupied by Israel. This was a reference to Shebaa Farms, which Israel has occupied since 1967.

Mikati added that his government supports the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon (UNIFIL), but said that he would demand it to “end Israel’s invasion of Lebanese sovereignty — land, sea, and air.”

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