Maronite Patriarch Calls for Lebanese Neutrality Amid Regional Tensions

Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai delivered a stern warning on Sunday regarding regional conflicts, stating that Lebanon cannot remain under the constant threat of war every time the surrounding region flares up. During his homily at the Church of Our Lady in Bkerke, the cardinal emphasized the necessity of a sustainable peace and urged authorities to keep the country detached from foreign disputes.

Cardinal Rai advocated for a state that maintains full sovereignty over security and peace decisions, arguing that true neutrality prevents the nation from becoming a permanent arena for proxy conflicts. His remarks coincided with the annual meeting of the Council of Catholic Patriarchs and Bishops of Lebanon, which began its weeklong session to deliberate on pressing national challenges.

During the assembly, church leaders addressed an urgent letter titled 'A Cry from the Five Christian Border Villages of the South,' which was submitted by the mayors of Rmeich, Debel, Ain Ebel, Alma el-Chaab, and Qaouzah. The document outlines ten critical demands aimed at ensuring the survival of remaining residents and facilitating the safe return of displaced families.

The mayoral appeal highlights severe humanitarian and infrastructural needs, requesting secure roads for accessing medical care, schools, and markets, as well as comprehensive assistance for displaced populations. The signatories also called for financial support for local agriculture, small businesses, and education, alongside transparent compensation mechanisms for properties damaged during hostilities.

Apostolic Nuncio Paolo Borgia addressed the Catholic council on Monday, urging church officials to heed the desperate plea of the southern villages and take concrete steps toward solidarity before the session concludes on November 13. Highlighting recent medical developments, the Ministry of Health recently integrated the primary healthcare center at the Ain Ebel hospital into the national network, though local officials stress that urgent upgrades to emergency and surgical departments remain necessary.

Turning to domestic judicial matters, Cardinal Rai called for an independent investigation into the hundreds of kilograms of Hezbollah explosives seized in early October at Dahr el-Baidar. He stressed that the judicial process must proceed without political interference or instrumentalization, noting that accountability is vital for restoring public trust.

Meanwhile, political divisions deepened as Jaafari Mufti Ahmad Kabalan sent an open letter to state leaders criticizing existing political policies. Mufti Kabalan argued that past frameworks allowed southern Lebanon to face severe destruction and systematic targeting, urging authorities to break away from current political stalemates to safeguard national coexistence and sovereignty.