Lebanon's Mufti: Loser is whoever bets on the rift between the 'Fatwa' and the Prime Ministership.. Al-Ra'i: Let us adhere to joint action for a strong state that safeguards its unity and stability
Beirut – Mansour Shaaban
The situation in southern Lebanon oscillates between caution punctuated by raids or hovered over by Israeli drones searching for targets, which shatters the calm enjoyed by people accustomed to hearing loud explosions, and the flight from a wave of projectiles that strike innocents and destroy what remains of the built environment. News reports indicate that Israeli drones dropped gallons of explosives inside some houses in the town of Mansouriye, in the Sidon district, with the blasts heard in Sidon and its surroundings. Meanwhile, the Israeli occupation army continues its series of massive explosions, particularly in Mansouriye, and shelling of the Ali al-Taher heights in the outskirts of the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa, as well as in Hula and Wadi al-Salouqi.
In Beirut, Israeli drones continued their low-altitude flights over the Southern Suburb, while an Israeli force advanced toward the town of Aita al-Shaab from the occupied town of Hittin, where it set fire to the outskirts of the town.
Meanwhile, President of the Republic General Joseph Aoun monitored the security situation with the Commander of the Lebanese Army, General Rodolphe Oueidat, particularly in the south, in light of the continued Israeli attacks on southern villages and towns. President Aoun also followed up on the results of General Oueidat’s recent meetings in Italy.
In parallel, the Lebanese Presidency account posted a photo of President Aoun participating in a blood donation campaign with several presidential staff members, organized by the General Directorate of the Presidency in cooperation with the Lebanese Red Cross, following his directives.
Meanwhile, Grand Mufti of Lebanon Sheikh Abdul Latif Derian, during a large honorary event held for him in Abiadah in Mount Lebanon, stated: “The Dar al-Fatwa has religious and national constants that it does not deviate from… and anyone who bets on a rift between it and the Prime Minister’s office will find their bet lost.” He added: “The Dar al-Fatwa will remain steadfast in its mission and its moderate, centrist approach, and no one will be able to bypass its open role and cooperation with all segments of society… Its role has been and remains pioneering in strengthening Islamic and national unity, especially as we are approaching an important stage in Lebanon’s history.” He further stated: “Our discourse has always been, and will continue to be, a unifying national discourse that transcends sectarian and confessional terminology,” emphasizing that “the state is the sole guarantor of the return of stability and security.”
For his part, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai, addressing delegations at his summer residence in Deir el-Qamar, stressed: “The importance of integrating the roles of state institutions, civil society, and the Church, supporting the army and legitimate security apparatuses, providing the prerequisites for citizens’ resilience, and preserving the country’s unity and stability,” affirming that “crises, no matter how severe, should not cause Lebanese to lose their trust in their homeland,” and reiterating the call to “cling to hope and joint action for a strong state with robust institutions, capable of protecting its children and safeguarding its unity and stability.”
As for Friday preachers, they emphasized the importance of national unity in the current circumstances. The Mufti of the Baalbek-Hermel district, Sheikh Bakr al-Rifaie, stressed that “at this current Lebanese moment, the problem does not appear to be the absence of political initiatives as much as it is the absence of a national vision that treats Lebanon as a state with its own interests, rather than as an open arena for external balances.” He added: “The most dangerous scenario is if Lebanese remain preoccupied with who holds power today, while leaving aside the question of Lebanon itself. The real struggle is not only over the presidency, government, or a parliamentary seat, but over the shape of the upcoming state, Lebanon’s position in the new regional order, and its ability to restore its economy, institutions, and the trust of its people.” He affirmed that “those who do not participate in shaping the next phase will find themselves forced to adapt to the designs of others; therefore, the current moment is not a time for waiting, but a time for building a clear Lebanese political project.”
For his part, Imam of the Safa Mosque and Mufti Sheikh Hassan Shiref said: “Let the Lebanese Army be the gateway to the meeting point among Lebanese, for it is the institution that unites sects and regions, and the custodian of national unity. Its officers and personnel have offered sacrifices and martyrs in defense of all of Lebanon, from its north to its south, and from its east to its west.” He stressed, saying: “We affirm the undeniable: Lebanon is not protected by division.”
