Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Monday condemned Israel’s continued military actions against Lebanon, calling it a ‘war of extermination in every sense of the word’ and a ‘destructive plan’ aimed at annihilating Lebanese villages and green spaces.
Speaking at the start of a cabinet session at the Grand Serail, Mikati reaffirmed his government’s full commitment to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for a ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.
‘We are working as a government to stop this new Israeli war and to avoid descending into the unknown,’ Mikati said, while urging the international community, particularly the United Nations and the Security Council, to take immediate action to halt the aggression.
The Prime Minister also addressed the ongoing budget discussions, stating that deliberations on the draft general budget law were progressing as planned.
“We continue today our work on the budget, hoping to finalize it for submission to Parliament wit
hin the constitutional timeframe,” Mikati noted.
The PM highlighted temporary social support measures being discussed while awaiting the finalization of a comprehensive law for submission to Parliament.
‘A series of meetings, particularly with military representatives, has been held. We assured them that the government will not hesitate to provide what it can, fully aware of the difficulties facing the public sector. However, escalation and threats do not lead to solutions,’ Mikati emphasized.
Referring to recent comments by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who warned of southern Lebanon potentially becoming a second Gaza, Mikati said, “This should serve as a wake-up call for international powers to pressure Israel to end its aggression and implement Resolution 2735, solving the Palestinian issue through a two-state solution and comprehensive peace.”
On a separate note, Mikati congratulated Saudi Arabia on its national day, extending well wishes to the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, Crown Prince
Mohammed bin Salman, and the Saudi people.
‘We wish the Kingdom continued prosperity under the wisdom of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques and the vision of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince,’ he said, expressing Lebanon’s desire to further strengthen the historical ties between the two nations.
Mikati concluded by noting, ‘Lebanon views Saudi Arabia as a steadfast supporter in all circumstances.’
In the wake of the session, Minister of Information, Ziad Makary announced that the Cabinet approved the 2025 budget after incorporating some ministerial feedback.
Additionally, the Council ratified a decree to provide temporary compensation and financial assistance to public sector workers and retirees, detailed as follows:
1. Starting October 1, 2024, all active and retired employees, including military personnel and contractors, will receive a monthly temporary allowance equivalent to double their basic salary or pension.
2. From November 1, 2024, an additional salary will be added to monthly payments
.
3. Beginning December 1, 2024, another supplementary salary will be granted.
4. All employees will also receive a one-time financial assistance of ten million Lebanese pounds for September and another ten million for December.
The Prime Minister indicated that if the budget law is not ratified by the end of 2024, the government commits to gradually implementing its provisions starting in 2025.
The Minister of Information further announced that the Prime Minister has called for an urgent Cabinet meeting tomorrow (Tuesday) at 11 a.m. and urged all absent ministers to participate and fulfill their national responsibilities.
Additionally, the Prime Minister participated in a meeting of the National Emergency Committee with representatives from ministries and humanitarian organizations to discuss responses to the increasing number of displaced persons from southern towns affected by recent Israeli attacks.
In response to questions about recent threatening communications received by the Ministries of Inform
ation and Culture, the Minister clarified that there is a recorded message circulating widely in Lebanon, but it should not be overstated, as all personnel continue their work normally.
Regarding unprecedented escalations and governmental communications, the Minister stated that the Foreign Minister is in New York engaging with international parties, and the government has been proactive since the conflict began, holding a current meeting of the National Emergency Committee.
On the issue of displacement and state preparedness, the Minister assured that an emergency cell, chaired by Prime Minister Mikati, is coordinating efforts with relevant ministers and organizations.
Lastly, Prime Minister Naji Mikati met with the World Bank’s Regional Director for the Middle East, Jean-Christophe Carret, alongside Environment Minister Nasser Yassin.
The meeting reportedly discussed ongoing projects and preliminary assessments of damages in areas subjected to Israeli incursions in the south.
Source: National news age
ncy – Lebanon