The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, addressed a delegation from the “Beirut Forum” headed by MP Fouad Makhzoumi, stating:
The responsibility for maintaining internal security in Lebanon during these circumstances is shared and requires full coordination between citizens, the army, security agencies, and municipalities.
The army has carried out a redeployment in Beirut and several other areas, and its presence—alongside the Internal Security Forces and other agencies—will be increased, with stricter enforcement to reassure citizens in their homes.
The current security situation is under control, and there is no fear of internal strife or lawlessness. Any problems that arise are limited and being addressed promptly. However, some focus on exploiting fears of sectarian strife for their own interests. Current conditions differ from the past, as awareness is widespread among the public and political and religious leaders, because no one can tolerate internal conflict.
I will not allow strife to occur, and anyone trying to fuel it—whether through social media or the press—poses a danger to Lebanon and is committing acts worse than Israeli attacks. We must distinguish between national interest and foreign agendas; our only salvation is the state.
During my tenure, I will not allow any citizen who remained steadfast in their village or town to be accused of collaboration or treason merely for choosing to continue living in their birthplace.
My negotiation initiative has gained international support as it represents the proper path to a solution, particularly since Lebanon has previously reached agreements with Israel, such as the Armistice Agreement and the maritime border demarcation agreement.
Ongoing contacts focus on obtaining guarantees to prevent the targeting of the Masnaa border crossing, which is crucial for both Lebanon and Syria.
This statement underscores President Aoun’s commitment to maintaining national security, preventing internal divisions, and ensuring that state authority and sovereignty are fully upheld.
