Lebanon must avoid entanglements that risk new wars, says PM Nawaf Salam

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has voiced concern over the situation surrounding Lebanon, particularly in light of the outcomes of the US and Israeli elections and speculation about the government's alleged confusion in the face of regional developments.

In remarks on Monday, Salam said it was regrettable to mislead the Lebanese public by suggesting the government is lost or confused. He stressed that his government derives its legitimacy from the constitution, the law, and parliamentary confidence, which it has received twice, and operates according to its ministerial statement, not on the basis of external bets or imaginary calculations.

Salam added that the government is using every means available, whether through its own resources or Lebanon's relations with friendly countries, to maintain a safety net that protects the country from danger. He emphasized the need for rational decision-making and prioritizing Lebanon's national interest, as he stated recently at Baabda Palace.

Salam warned against alliances that could once again drag Lebanon into futile wars, saying such moves would only provide Israel with further pretexts to expand its occupation of the south and increase destruction and displacement.

He said: "We have had enough of entanglements that repeatedly plunge Lebanon into senseless wars, which only serve to give Israel more excuses to expand its occupation of the south and intensify destruction, killing, and displacement."

He affirmed that Lebanon's protection can only be achieved if all parties commit to ensuring that decisions of war and peace, and the possession of arms, remain exclusively with the state. Salam stressed that the government will continue on this path regardless of external developments.