BEIRUT, Feb. 25 (Xinhua) -- Lebanon will not be allowed to take part in any renewed conflict, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Wednesday.
"It is not in our interest in any way, and we will not accept that Lebanon be drawn into a new adventure or war," Salam said during an iftar hosted at the Grand Serail, headquarters of the prime minister.
Salam expressed hope that "reason, wisdom and patriotism will prevail, and that Lebanon's interest will rise above any other consideration," noting that Lebanon had emerged from a devastating war while Israeli attacks continued, according to the official National News Agency.
He added that the cabinet has established the foundations needed to address longstanding crises, including decades of impunity, misuse of public funds, and a lack of accountability, which have eroded trust in the state domestically and internationally.
Lebanon, still recovering from the devastating cross-border war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2024, fears that a U.S.-Iran war could once again turn its territory into a battleground.
Despite a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel that took effect on Nov. 27, 2024, the Israeli army continues to carry out occasional strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at removing Hezbollah "threats." Israeli forces have also maintained a presence at five key positions along the Lebanese border after the deadline for their full withdrawal expired on Feb. 18, 2025. ■
