Bou Habib criticizes Mikati, rejects Israeli ground war

Caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has criticized Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati for overstepping his boundaries by allegedly trying to take over the responsibilities of the Foreign Ministry. Bou Habib, in an interview with Tele Liban, expressed dissatisfaction with Mikati’s unilateral engagements with international representatives and his tendency to exclude Lebanese ambassadors during foreign visits, a move Bou Habib perceives as an intentional slight.

Bou Habib, emphasizing Lebanon’s diverse cultural landscape, voiced particular concern over what he sees as an infringement on a key Christian leadership position within the government by Mikati. He articulated discomfort with the Prime Minister’s conduct, which he views as disregarding the country’s pluralistic nature.

In addition, Bou Habib dismissed the likelihood of an Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon, suggesting that Israel is aware of the formidable challenges such an action would entail. Instead, he anticipates a protracted conflict facilitated by drone warfare.

Bou Habib also mentioned his alignment with former President Michel Aoun’s views on maintaining a unified stance in regional conflicts, yet acknowledged he must adapt to the current realities. Aoun has notably expressed reservations about Hezbollah’s adoption of the “unity of arenas” strategy, which involves coordination among groups within the Iran-led regional alliance.