Mikati Condemns Israeli Threats as ‘War Crimes’, Urges International Pressure to Halt Escalation.

Beirut: Caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, on Thursday condemned recent Israeli enemy threats to forcibly displace Lebanese civilians, labeling them "an additional war crime, adding to Israel's ongoing series of atrocities in terms of killing, destruction, and devastation." The PM further emphasized that such actions were in stark violation of international and humanitarian standards. According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Mikati revealed in a statement that he had conveyed Lebanon's stance to key diplomatic bodies, appealing for intensified pressure on Israel to cease its aggression. "We were informed yesterday by U.S. Presidential Envoy Amos Hochstein that he would seek a ceasefire solution with Israel, paving the way for the comprehensive implementation of Resolution 1701. We now await the results of his efforts, though the escalating Israeli actions and threats offer little reason for optimism, especially in the immediate term," Mikati remarked. At the Grand Serail, Mikati engaged in a series of diplomatic meetings, including with U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon, Lisa Johnson, with whom he discussed the most recent developments. Mikati also welcomed Egypt's Ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, who extended an invitation from President, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, for Mikati to attend the World Urban Forum in Cairo on November 4. Mikati then met with Deputy Prime Minister, Saadeh Al-Shami, who provided updates on recent World Bank and IMF meetings in Washington. The PM also discussed Lebanon's diplomatic efforts to end the Israeli assault with Foreign Minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, requesting the minister follow up on an investigation into a rocket that struck UNIFIL's Austrian battalion base. The Prime Minister condemned Israel's targeting of UNIFIL forces, commending their critical role in maintaining peace and security in southern Lebanon. Mikati also held talks with Interior Minister, Bassam Mawlawi, on the nation's security and the state of civil defense, and with Youth and Sports Minister, George Kalla s, on political and ministerial matters. In a separate meeting, former Beirut Family Associations heads, led by former MP, Mohammad Amin Itani, expressed appreciation for Mikati's efforts to stabilize Lebanon, particularly amid Beirut's pressing challenges, including traffic congestion and the strain of hosting displaced residents impacted by recent hostilities.