Beirut: Former Presidents Amin Gemayel and Michel Sleiman, and former Prime Ministers Najib Mikati, Fouad Siniora, and Tammam Salam held a meeting via Zoom on Saturday, following which they issued a statement condemning "the continued aggressive practices and actions of the Israeli occupation forces against Lebanon, and the continued killing and destruction."
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, the leaders highlighted that "Israel is blatantly violating all agreements and understandings reached on November 27, 2024, which has exposed and continues to expose Lebanon's security, safety, and stability to severe dangers." They called on international powers and guarantors to compel Israel to respect and adhere to these understandings and the commitments they entail to preserve international credibility and security and stability in the region.
The leaders praised the Lebanese government's recent decisions, acknowledging its "principled, national, and progressive position" on the restriction of arms to the Lebanese state and its legitimate forces alone. They commended efforts to restore the Lebanese state's full control over its territories and facilities.
In light of Iranian official Ali Larijani's recent visit, the leaders discussed the stances of President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on preserving Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, and free decision-making, away from pressure and dictates from any party.
They expressed concern over statements made by Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, who rejected the Lebanese government's position and plans to restrict weapons to its legitimate military and security forces. The leaders warned that Sheikh Naim Qassem's position could complicate matters and create obstacles to the state's restoration of authority and Lebanon's return to stability. They emphasized the need for wisdom in action and firmness in positions to achieve the monopoly of arms in the hands of legitimate Lebanese forces.
The leaders continued to stress the importance of maintaining tranquility within Lebanon, avoiding tensions, and facilitating Hezbollah's integration under the authority of the Lebanese state. They also affirmed the need for more Arab and international support for the Lebanese government in implementing its programs and restoring its complete authority and the exclusivity of weapons in the hands of its legitimate forces.
On the regional level, they denounced "Israel's killing, genocide, and starvation of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank," expressing concern over Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's public statements about realizing his dream of a "Greater Israel."