BEIRUT: Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent actions, which included a direct threat against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and called for a strong international response. Mikati expressed strong disapproval of Netanyahu’s demand for the removal of UNIFIL and criticized the ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon.

According to National News Agency-Lebanon, Mikati highlighted the severity of Netanyahu’s approach, which he described as a disregard for international norms and the resolutions of international legitimacy. He emphasized the resulting casualties, destruction in Lebanon, and the direct aggression towards UNIFIL. Mikati’s remarks came after Netanyahu’s warning to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, which he perceived as a challenge to the international community’s commitment to peace and security in the region.

Furthermore, Mikati reiterated Lebanon’s adherence to UN Resolution 1701, emphasizing the positive role of UN peacekee
ping forces in collaboration with the Lebanese army. He urged the international community to adopt a decisive stance against what he termed as Israeli aggression towards both Lebanon and the principles of international legitimacy.

The Lebanese Prime Minister’s plea underscores the tense situation in the region and the potential implications for international peace efforts. He called for renewed international focus on the conflict, stressing the need for a ceasefire supported by both foreign and Arab nations.