Mikati: Blinken Reveals Major Push for Ceasefire

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Friday called on the United Nations to pass a resolution demanding an “immediate” ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

Mikati informed reporters that the Lebanese foreign ministry would request the U.N. Security Council to issue a resolution calling for a “full and immediate ceasefire.” He also emphasized that his government remains committed to Resolution 1701, which was adopted in 2006 and mandates that only the Lebanese army and peacekeepers be stationed in the southern part of the country.

Mikati further disclosed that he had a conversation with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. “The discussion was focused on seriously pursuing a ceasefire, and we received full support for Lebanon,” he said.

He emphasized the ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire, adding, “We are prepared to bolster our army’s presence along the southern border, but the international community must pressure Israel to uphold Resolution 1701.”

Mikati also stressed the importance of ending violence against civilians, stating, “My appeal is for a ceasefire and an end to targeting civilians. Where is the humanity in this? We send out a cry of conscience to the world.”

In response to a question regarding the deadly airstrikes in central Beirut on Thursday, Mikati noted that Israel had recently reduced the intensity of its airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs due to international mediation efforts.

In a separate statement, Mikati also called for the election of a new president who would be “accepted by all Lebanese.”