The Higher Defense Council convened under the leadership of President Joseph Aoun to address the prevailing security conditions in the country and evaluate preparations for the upcoming municipal elections. During the meeting, President Aoun emphasized the importance of extending the authority of the state over all its territory, citing the positive impact such a move would have across various levels of governance and stability.

In light of the approaching municipal elections, President Aoun also called for raising the necessary levels of readiness to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of the democratic process. He reiterated his commitment to remaining equidistant from all candidates, underscoring the importance of impartiality in upholding democratic integrity.

The Minister of Interior presented an overview of the general situation in advance of the elections, highlighting efforts to maintain order and security. He affirmed the neutrality of the security forces, stressing their strict non-interference in the electoral process and their role in safeguarding the democratic exercise.

One of the key decisions made during the meeting was a strong recommendation for the government to issue a clear warning to Hamas, urging the group not to use Lebanese territory to launch operations that could compromise Lebanon’s national security. The Council emphasized the need to prevent any actions that might draw the country into regional conflicts or endanger its internal stability.

President Aoun also addressed the potential repercussions of the ongoing events in Syria, underlining the importance of managing and containing any negative impacts these developments might have on Lebanon.

The session concluded with a unified commitment to reinforcing state authority, protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, and ensuring the integrity of its democratic institutions amid regional and domestic challenges.