Cabinet Approves Army Recruitment and Diesel Funding for Shelters; Mikati Urges End to Conflict and Full Implementation of Resolution 1701.

BEIRUT: Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Wednesday convened a Cabinet session at the Grand Serail, joined by key ministers including Deputy Prime Minister Saadeh Al-Shami, and Ministers of Education, Finance, Interior, Health, Environment, and others. Following the meeting, Minister of Information, Ziad Makary, conveyed Prime Minister Mikati's statements, condemning Israel's intensified attacks across Lebanon, which he described as "flagrant violations of international law and humanity." According to National news agency - Lebanon, the Prime Minister highlighted the dire situation as Lebanon enters its third year without a president, calling it a "constitutional responsibility" to elect a leader. Mikati also praised the recent spiritual summit held in Bkerki, affirming the religious leaders' unity and urging international acknowledgment. "The solidarity of our spiritual authorities to protect Lebanon's diversity speaks volumes," Mikati stated, adding that dialogue among all political leaders remain s critical to establishing consensus and electing a president. The PM also lauded support from global leaders, including meetings with King Abdullah of Jordan, French President Emmanuel Macron, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, describing their engagement as reflective of "international solidarity with Lebanon." However, Mikati expressed frustration with Israel's disregard for calls for a ceasefire. "Israel's actions ignore every diplomatic effort. We deeply appreciate France's humanitarian initiative and support for our army," Mikati said, urging further international assistance. Denouncing ongoing Israeli strikes on civilian areas, medical facilities, and UNIFIL, Mikati underscored the gravity of the situation: "These attacks constitute war crimes and an affront to the international community." Emergency Committee Coordinator, Environment Minister Nasser Yassin, detailed government relief efforts for the displaced, noting the challenges in assisting 44,000 families in shelters and 147,000 households. "T he aid distribution, coordinated with the UN, is a multi-pronged response," Yassin explained, dispelling misinformation about aid supplies. Mikati outlined plans to allocate heating resources for mountain shelters, calling on the media to verify aid information via the government's transparency platform. Minister of the Displaced Issam Sharafeddine acknowledged Syria's cooperation in the voluntary return of 400,000 Syrian refugees, facilitated by Lebanese General Security. "We appreciate Syria's and Iraq's support for displaced Lebanese," he said, referencing Iraqi aid for Lebanese refugees arriving via Syria. The Cabinet confirmed financial provisions for recruiting 1,500 additional Army personnel, and, responding to recent criticisms, Minister of Education Abbas Halabi deferred a decision on school operations for further assessment.