Lebanese leaders continue push for ceasefire despite continued Israeli strikes on Hezbollah

Lebanon’s Information Minister Ziad Makary said Sunday that the country remains committed to pursuing a ceasefire through diplomatic means. 

Makary’s remarks came during a cabinet meeting on Sunday after the death of Hezbollah General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah had been confirmed. 

“It is certain that the Lebanese government wants a ceasefire, and everyone knows that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu went to New York based on the premise of a ceasefire, but the decision was made to assassinate Nasrallah," Makary said. 

Makary said that the Lebanese government remains committed to the ceasefire proposal put forward by the U.S. and France. 

“Diplomatic efforts to achieve a ceasefire are ongoing. The Prime Minister is not falling short, but the matter is not that easy," he added.

The Lebanese Army issued a statement on Sunday calling on the public to avoid actions that would affect “national unity” and “civil peace.” 

In the statement, the Lebanese military said it “calls on citizens to preserve national unity and not to be drawn into actions that may affect civil peace at this dangerous and delicate stage.” 

The military was apparently referring to several spontaneous celebrations that broke out across Lebanon and the Middle East on Friday and Saturday, after it was confirmed that Israel had targeted Hassan Nasrallah. 

“The Israeli enemy is working to implement its destructive plans and sow division among Lebanese,” the army statement claimed. 

Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged Lebanese citizens to preserve civil order and unity. 

“Our national responsibility at this historic and exceptional moment requires setting aside political differences,” Mikati said after cutting short his trip to New York for the U.N. General Assembly. 

On Monday, Mikati claimed that the Lebanese government is ready to implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah and its removal north of the Litani River. 

“We in Lebanon are ready to implement 1701, and immediately upon the implementation of the ceasefire, Lebanon is ready to send the Lebanese army to the area south of the Litani River and to carry out its full duties,” Mikati said.  

According to the resolution, the only forces allowed south of the Litani River should be Lebanese Army forces and U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) troops. Neither the Lebanese Army or UNIFIL have ever attempted to disarm Hezbollah or push it north of the Litani River. Mikati’s statement provided no details as to how that would be accomplished. Hezbollah refuses to abide by Resolution 1701, claiming that it is the only force capable of protecting Lebanon from Israeli aggression. 

Some Israeli analysts believe that the statement by the Lebanese prime minister could be an attempt to stave off an expected ground incursion of IDF troops into southern Lebanon in the coming days. 

U.S. President Joe Biden is also continuing efforts to dissuade Israel from a ground incursion.