Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar defended his ministry’s handling of the recent event in Rawshe, stressing that his allegiance is to the State and not to any individual, and that violations are being addressed through judicial channels.

“My reference is the State, and I am accountable to it, not to individuals. I am the Interior Minister for all of Lebanon, and my responsibility is to ensure the safety of all citizens. What happened in Rawshe is being addressed through the competent judicial channels,” al-Hajjar told Annahar.

“I implement what President Aoun and PM Salam decide. The Prime Minister is a red line for me," he added. 

Al-Hajjar said the security agencies acted within their mandate but encountered logistical challenges.

“The organizers went beyond the permit issued by the Interior Ministry. The license clearly defined where activities could take place, but the security forces were confronted with large crowds, and the machines used to light up Rawshe Rock were placed in the middle of the assembly, making it impossible for the forces to stop them,” he said.

He said an internal investigation is underway under the supervision of the Public Prosecutor of the Court of Cassation to determine who is responsible for the permit violations.

“The ministry’s top priority remains maintaining security and stability, enforcing government decisions, and taking the necessary action against violators in accordance with the directives of the competent judiciary,” al-Hajjar added.

Al-Hajjar also called for unity among the pillars of the State.

“The message we must all focus on at this stage is standing behind the State. Solidarity among the pillars of the State is essential if we are to rescue Lebanon from its crises and bring it to safety,” he said. “There are political milestones ahead, and accountability happens at the ballot box, not on public platforms. Our only option is for the State to act as a unified force, serving all citizens, who need to have confidence in their government. They expect much from it: foremost, Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon, as well as solutions to their everyday problems and guaranteed access to the services they are entitled to. We must also not forget the difficult economic situation. Meeting all these challenges requires our full commitment and effort.”