Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Tuesday said the country must not be drawn into any new conflict.

“We will not allow Lebanon to be dragged into a new adventure, especially after the very high cost of the Gaza support war.

“We must protect ourselves by standing around the state and not involving Lebanon in wars that have nothing to do with us,” said Mr Salam during a session at the World Governments Summit in Dubai.

He added that sovereignty and reform were the two core pillars for “saving Lebanon” and restoring security for its people.

He said, “We are committed to the path of reform and to restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty … All we ask from our Arab brothers and the world is to support us, not replace us.”

Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel erupted into conflict following the Gaza conflict in October 2023.

Under U.S. and French mediation, Lebanon and Israel reached a fragile ceasefire that took effect on November 27, 2024.

However, Israel has continued strikes on Lebanon against “Hezbollah threats,” and maintains the presence of its forces at five main points in the Lebanese border area. 

(Xinhua/NAN)