Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Sunday urged all political forces to rally behind the State after an Israeli strike targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, warning that the country cannot afford to be dragged into a wider confrontation.

In a statement posted on X, Salam said the attack underscored the urgency of consolidating national efforts in support of State institutions at a time he described as “critical and dangerous.”

“Today’s attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs requires unifying all efforts behind the State and its institutions,” Salam wrote. “Protecting the Lebanese people and preventing the country from sliding into dangerous paths is the government’s top priority at this critical moment.”

Salam said his government was working “through every political and diplomatic channel” with regional and international partners to prevent an open-ended confrontation and safeguard civilians. He called for urgent measures to halt Israeli attacks, ensure a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, and secure the release of Lebanese captives.

“Experience has shown that the only path to lasting stability lies in the full implementation of Resolution 1701,” he said.

Salam reiterated that Lebanon’s stability hinges on restoring State authority nationwide and strengthening the role of the Lebanese Army, which he said must be empowered to carry out its responsibilities across the country.