On September 25, 2026, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati addressed the United Nations General Assembly, emphasizing the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict with Israel. He called for Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the release of all Lebanese prisoners. Mikati also highlighted the importance of continued negotiations under US auspices to reach an agreement that ensures the end of the war and the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty.
Mikati praised the role of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in maintaining stability and supporting the Lebanese army. He urged the international community to avoid any vacuum that might be created by a potential withdrawal of UNIFIL and to work towards a new international force that would guarantee the continuation of monitoring, reporting, and communication tasks.
The Lebanese Prime Minister pointed out that Lebanon has entered into negotiations with Israel under US sponsorship to reach arrangements that would ensure the end of the war and the restoration of Lebanese sovereignty. He explained that the tripartite framework agreed upon is based on the principles of reciprocity and gradualism, and that what is required is to complete the translation of this framework into practical steps within a clear timeline.
Mikati stressed that the recovery of land does not only mean the withdrawal of Israeli forces but also the return of its people and the revival of life in their villages and towns. He called on the international community to continue providing the necessary funding to meet the needs of those affected and displaced, in parallel with early recovery, reconstruction, and development.
The Prime Minister highlighted three crucial challenges facing Lebanon: restoring the trust of its people after the financial collapse and the Beirut port explosion, recovering its national decision-making and confining the weapon and the decision of war and peace to state institutions, and recovering its entire land and extending its sovereignty over its national territory.
Mikati emphasized that these challenges represent the equation for Lebanon's revival, which is "trust to be built, decision to be recovered, and land to be liberated." He stressed that the title of the current UN General Assembly session, "Restoring Trust, Managing Transition: A United Nations that Delivers Results for All," reflects the world's need to enhance mutual trust and respect for international law.
The Lebanese Prime Minister concluded his speech by calling for UN reform, including expanding the Security Council to make it more representative and equitable, and limiting the use of veto power in cases of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. He also emphasized the importance of addressing the root causes of conflicts and promoting sustainable development.
Key points
- Mikati calls for Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory
- Lebanon seeks to restore sovereignty through negotiations
- UN reform is necessary to make it more representative and effective
