Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati is actively working to keep his country out of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
In an interview on Monday, Mikati shared his commitment to this goal. Lebanon has been without a president for a year, adding to the country’s challenges.
Even so, Mikati is making moves to prevent a war. However, he does not rule out the possibility of rising tensions in the region.
Hezbollah’s Involvement
Since the conflict began on October 7, following a Hamas attack on Israel, Hezbollah and its allies have been involved.
These groups have launched almost daily attacks on Israel. Hezbollah openly supports Hamas in its endeavors.
Mikati, who has good relations with Hezbollah, states that he can’t confirm if they seek a new war with Israel.
The entire situation is fluid, he adds, with a high risk of escalating if a ceasefire is not reached between Israel and Hamas.
Security Risks and Regional Impact
The confrontations have resulted in a rising death toll, with at least 62 people killed so far. Among them are 47 Hezbollah fighters and four individuals on the Israeli side of the border.
Mikati warns that an escalation could have broader implications. If the conflict were to intensify, the repercussions would be felt not just in Lebanon but across the entire Middle East.
The Role of Qatar in Mediation
Mikati recently made a quick trip to Qatar, a country playing a significant role in peace talks.
Qatar’s mediation efforts aim to halt the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Last Friday, these efforts almost succeeded but were disrupted by Israeli ground operations in Gaza.
Qatar is now focused on resuming these crucial negotiations. Both parties hope for a ceasefire and a subsequent prisoner exchange in the near future.
The Need for Political Stability in Lebanon
In addition to the regional concerns, Mikati emphasized the urgent need for Lebanon to elect a new president.
The current political void is not doing the country any favors, especially given its ongoing economic crisis.
Lebanon’s economic woes have pushed the majority of its population into poverty, making the need for stable leadership even more critical.
Background
Lebanon’s position in this situation is particularly precarious due to its history of conflict with Israel and its internal challenges.
The country has already suffered through a civil war from 1975 to 1990, and tensions with Israel have often flared up.
Furthermore, Lebanon is grappling with a dire economic crisis that has impoverished much of its population. A new conflict would likely worsen the existing hardships.
Lebanon has frequently found itself caught between powerful factions, both within and outside its borders.
This includes Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, and other groups with international interests.
Past conflicts, like the 2006 Lebanon-Israel war, show how quickly situations can escalate and involve various regional players.