Salam Calls for End to Foreign-Driven Conflicts, Demands Return to State Authority

Lebanon faces "the most dangerous crisis since the establishment of the Lebanese state," according to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who delivered a forceful address at a dinner hosted by the Al-Maqasid Islamic Charitable Society in Beirut. The Prime Minister emphasized that genuine recovery remains unattainable without "a clear return to the logic of the state."

Salam articulated his vision of the state the Lebanese people deserve: one built on citizenship, robust institutions, judicial independence, and contemporary administrative practices. He underscored that only one path leads to state formation—through the decisions of constitutional bodies, the Lebanese army as the sole legitimate force, and a legal framework that binds all citizens equally.

The Prime Minister's remarks carried particular weight regarding Lebanon's recent trajectory. "Enough of the absurd adventures in the service of foreign projects and interests," he declared, referencing the conflict imposed upon the nation. He pointed to a stark disparity in territorial control, noting that Israeli forces now occupy 68 towns, villages, and sites, compared to five locations Lebanon previously sought to recover.

Salam criticized attempts to reframe the devastating consequences of war as achievements. "After all this, with the killing, destruction, displacement and tragedies it brought, those who try to belittle our minds come out and call these victories," he stated. He reaffirmed Lebanon's commitment to its national course, declaring that "incitement and betrayal will not intimidate us, as we are steadfast in our national choices and strong with the support of the majority of Lebanese for them."

The Prime Minister traced Lebanon's deterioration to years of institutional decline. When "the state was treated as a spoil, not as a unifying framework for all the Lebanese," the consequences proved severe. Salam identified the erosion of institutional credibility, the collapse of public administration, the weakening of the middle class, and accelerating youth emigration as symptoms of a profound rupture in citizen confidence.

Addressing the path forward, Salam emphasized the necessity of confronting uncomfortable realities and rebuilding the nation's internal foundations. His prescription included strengthening institutions, securing Arab and international backing to fortify Lebanon's position in ongoing negotiations, and pursuing international accountability mechanisms. He called for UN involvement in documenting alleged Israeli crimes.

Salam also recognized institutional leadership changes. He praised outgoing Al-Maqasid president Dr. Faisal Sinu for stewarding the organization through crisis rather than prosperity. He extended congratulations to engineer Diyara Tabbara, the first woman elected to lead the association, characterizing her appointment as carrying "a profound civilizational and national significance" and reflecting the institution's commitment to education and women's empowerment.

The Prime Minister concluded with reflections on Beirut's historical resilience. Beyond its geographic boundaries, he characterized the capital as "a pioneering experience in freedom, enlightenment, and coexistence." Despite enduring wars, crises, targeted killings, and bombings, Beirut has consistently refused capitulation and emerged renewed.

Salam's statements arrive amid intensified diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Israel. The US State Department announced a 45-day extension of the ceasefire following discussions held in Washington on May 14 and 15. Political negotiations are slated to resume in early June, while a security track will operate within the Pentagon framework, involving military representatives from both nations. These developments occur against a backdrop of continued Israeli military operations on Lebanese territory.