Lebanese authorities are stepping up diplomatic, security, and technical efforts to shield the country from the fallout of the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, determined to avoid being drawn into another regional war under the guise of “support.”

According to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, high-level contacts are underway with key international players in an effort to contain tensions. Internally, the government is reinforcing its preparedness through a series of coordinated security and technical measures.

President Joseph Aoun cut short a visit to the Vatican and returned to Beirut to oversee the response. On Saturday morning, he convened an emergency meeting with top security chiefs and ministers to discuss the latest developments and assess Lebanon’s readiness.

According to a statement from the presidency, discussions focused on contingency plans to safeguard national security and protect civil aviation amid regional turmoil. Several measures were adopted to ensure stability and prevent disruptions at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport, the statement added.

President Aoun urged security services to remain on high alert and pledged that crisis meetings would remain open as the situation evolves. The emergency gathering brought together Defense Minister Michel Menassa, Interior Minister Ahmaad al-Hajjar, Public Works and Transport Minister Fayez Rasamny, Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, Internal Security Forces chief Raed Abdallah, General Security chief Hassan Shukair, and other senior officials.

Ministerial sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Lebanon’s efforts are unfolding on two tracks, technical and security, alongside ongoing communication with influential international stakeholders.

On the technical front, measures are centered on civil aviation safety. Airport authorities are prepared to halt flights in coordination with Syria, Jordan, and other regional countries should any immediate threat be detected.

On the security side, authorities are focused on preventing Lebanon from becoming a launchpad for any retaliatory or solidarity attacks.

“The message is clear: there will be no new support front in the South,” said one source, stressing that the government’s priority lies in strengthening “preemptive security intelligence.”

Border patrols have been stepped up and coordination among security agencies has intensified to prevent any breaches and respond swiftly to potential emergencies.

The sources expressed cautious optimism that Hezbollah will not escalate its involvement.

“The group appears to understand the gravity of any intervention,” one official noted.

However, concerns remain over Palestinian factions, including Hamas and others based in Lebanon, who may be tempted to launch attacks against Israel.

“Efforts are underway to dissuade these groups from initiating any action, such as rocket fire, which could drag Lebanon into the conflict,” said the sources.

On the diplomatic front, Lebanese officials began contacting U.S. and French counterparts immediately after the Iranian strikes. Beirut has been consistent in communicating its position: Lebanon is not a party to this conflict and will not allow its territory to become a battleground for regional actors.

Officials confirmed that the Lebanese Army had swiftly relayed this message to Hezbollah following the eruption of hostilities, emphasizing that Lebanon must remain neutral and uninvolved.