Beirut: United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, briefed the Security Council on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701, highlighting the escalating tensions in Lebanon following Hizbullah's attack on Israel on 2 March. The attack has significantly impacted Lebanon, leading to increased civilian casualties as Israeli military actions continue to expand.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, during the briefing, Hennis-Plasschaert was joined by United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix. The Special Coordinator emphasized that relying on a regional settlement to address Lebanon's ongoing issues would be a critical error. She stressed the importance of Lebanon focusing on domestic solutions, particularly the creation of a comprehensive roadmap to tackle the future of Hizbullah.
The proposed roadmap should not only address Hizbullah's arsenal but also consider its financial networks and social infrastructure, involving all branches and arms of the Lebanese State. Hennis-Plasschaert called for prompt action on long-delayed objectives, including the development of a national security strategy, fostering cross-party unity dialogue, improving socio-economic opportunities for marginalized communities, and planning for the post-conflict scenario concerning Hizbullah fighters.
Hennis-Plasschaert also highlighted the need for a strengthened Lebanese Army, citing the significant gap between their available resources and the tasks they face. She called for increased international support and prioritization of fiscal resources by Lebanon. A capable Lebanese army, she noted, must be a shared priority to assert the State's monopoly on arms.
Amidst the rising humanitarian, recovery, and reconstruction needs, the Special Coordinator stressed that international funding for immediate assistance is essential to prevent non-State actors from filling the void left by the State. In her closing remarks, Hennis-Plasschaert described the current situation as profoundly challenging, volatile, and dangerous, emphasizing that continued military actions will not lead to lasting solutions.
Welcoming Lebanon's willingness to engage in direct talks with Israel, the Special Coordinator noted the readiness across various sects, confessions, and political affiliations in Lebanon to move from armed resistance to governance. There is a strong desire to live in a stable country and region, and a significant appetite to build a unified State rather than maintain divisive weapons.