Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Wednesday acknowledged the severe losses Lebanon has endured due to the ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel on the country’s southern border, reiterating the government's commitment to UN Resolution 1701.

"We continue to pay a heavy price with the loss of our youth, the suffering of our people, and the devastation of our towns and economy," Mikati stated at the outset of a Cabinet session at the Grand Serail.

Despite these challenges, Mikati emphasized Lebanon's commitment to fully adhere to the provisions of UN Resolution 1701, calling for its complete implementation by all parties as a prerequisite for any lasting solution.

"Resolution 1701 is not merely a document; it is the essential pathway to any viable solution," Mikati stressed, highlighting the importance of full compliance by all sides to prevent further escalation.

The resolution stipulates that no armed factions should be present between Lebanon’s Litani River and the border, calls for a full cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, and mandates the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. It also includes provisions for the deployment of Lebanese armed forces in southern Lebanon and the establishment of a buffer zone free of armed personnel, assets, and weapons.

Reflecting on the protracted nature of the conflict, which has now stretched over ten months, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati acknowledged the severe losses Lebanon has endured. "We continue to pay a heavy price with the loss of our youth, the suffering of our people, and the devastation of our towns and economy," he said during a Cabinet session at the Grand Serail. Despite these profound challenges, Mikati emphasized that Lebanon remains resolute in its demand for an end to the war. He reiterated the government's unwavering commitment to UN Resolution 1701, urging all involved parties to adhere strictly to its provisions.

"Resolution 1701 is not merely a document; it is the essential pathway to any viable solution," Mikati stressed, highlighting the importance of full compliance by all sides to prevent further escalation. The resolution, which was adopted to end the 2006 Lebanon War, calls for a cessation of hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Mikati underlined that the resolution's full implementation is critical to restoring stability and security in the region.

The caretaker prime minister also expressed concern over Israel's continued aggression, which, he said, undermines diplomatic efforts to end the conflict.

"The Israeli intransigence threatens efforts to halt the war and disregards the initiatives of peace mediators," he warned, noting that diplomatic efforts, undertaken by foreign and Arab countries, have intensified due to the critical situation in Lebanon and the broader region.

Mikati's remarks came as Lebanon faces an increasingly dire situation, with the ongoing conflict exacerbating the country's already fragile economic and social conditions. He called on the international community to intervene and help bring an end to the violence, emphasizing that Lebanon is committed to peace but cannot achieve it alone.

In addition to his calls for adherence to Resolution 1701, Mikati addressed the need for national unity in Lebanon, urging political leaders to put aside their differences and work together to overcome the current crisis.

"We need to strengthen unity among the Lebanese people, not engage in futile debates and grandstanding," he said, emphasizing that the government's priority is to prevent the total collapse of the state and maintain the productivity of public institutions.

Mikati also acknowledged the challenges facing Lebanon's public administration, announcing his decision to temporarily withdraw an agenda item related to filling vacancies in public administrations. While he recognized the importance of addressing these vacancies to ensure the continued functioning of the state, he noted that the issue would be revisited once the situation stabilizes citing the need to avoid further tensions during this critical period.

Turning to economic matters, Mikati reiterated the government's focus on maintaining stability through realistic and guaranteed plans and legislation. He issued a strong warning against the exploitation of the current crisis to manipulate prices, increase educational fees, or raise insurance premiums, which would further burden the already struggling population.

In closing, Mikati renewed his call for dialogue to pave way for the election of a president, which Mikati emphasized is essential for completing Lebanon's constitutional framework and ensuring the nation's stability in these challenging times.