On Thursday, April 16, 2026, Beirut’s MPs held an expanded conference at the Phoenicia Hotel, attended by prominent figures and representatives of Beirut’s civic community. They discussed the serious developments unfolding in Lebanon, particularly the attacks targeting the capital, Beirut. Following deliberations on the latest security and political developments, the participants issued the following statement:

The participants condemn the Israeli attacks that have struck Lebanese territory, including the capital, Beirut, and resulted in hundreds of civilian casualties. They reaffirm their rejection of dragging Lebanon into a war in which it has no part and call for the extension of state authority throughout all Lebanese territory, in accordance with the Lebanese Constitution and international resolutions.

In light of the growing pressures facing the capital as a result of waves of forced displacement, the participants stress the importance of upholding Beirut’s historic role in welcoming those arriving in the city, in a manner that preserves everyone’s dignity and security and protects the social fabric. They firmly reject incitement, rioting, and acts of vandalism, and reaffirm their unwavering commitment to national unity, rejecting discord and hate speech.

The participants express their full support for government decisions aimed at extending state sovereignty and ensuring that decisions of war and peace remain exclusively in the hands of the Lebanese authorities, as well as for all other decisions related to Hezbollah, including ensuring that weapons remain exclusively in the hands of legitimate state forces. They strongly reject any attempt in this context to target the government or its head, Prime Minister Dr. Nawaf Salam, who represents the collective decisions of the Council of Ministers.

The participants also endorse the decision of the executive authority, represented by the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Council of Ministers collectively, to declare Beirut a city free of weapons. They call for the effective and comprehensive deployment of the Lebanese Army and security forces to protect citizens and prevent the presence of any weapons outside the framework of legitimate authority or any actions that undermine stability.

Accordingly, the participants call on the government to take practical measures to strengthen stability and reassure the residents of the capital and those displaced to it, particularly by:

1. Beginning implementation of previously adopted government decisions, potentially including the declaration of a state of general mobilization throughout Beirut Governorate, in accordance with the Constitution and the National Defense Law.
2. Adopting exceptional measures, limited in time and geographic scope where appropriate, to maintain security, organize military deployments, and prevent armed displays outside the framework of legitimate authority, through effective legal mechanisms.
3. Strengthening measures to protect vital facilities and other essential public institutions, ensuring the continuity of their operations and preventing any disruption.
4. Strictly enforcing legal measures necessary to guarantee security, stability, and public safety, thereby reassuring the residents of the capital and everyone living in or displaced to the city.
5. Working to mitigate potential risks, particularly those affecting the security of the capital, and taking the necessary preventive measures against threats to its residents arising from the presence of targeted individuals among civilians. This includes preventing provocative gatherings, gatherings that violate the law, and any other activities that undermine security, in a manner that reinforces state authority and the rule of law.
6. Urging the government to swiftly establish a clear implementation plan for these resolutions and begin putting it into effect as soon as possible, in line with the security situation and the needs of the capital.
7. Establishing a follow-up committee from among the participants to coordinate with the government, monitor implementation of these resolutions, and ensure their proper execution.
8. Calling on economic and social organizations and civil society to support these efforts by making their resources and capabilities available to the government, thereby strengthening partnership and safeguarding national unity in protecting the capital.

In conclusion, the participants reaffirm that protecting Beirut by working diligently to establish and maintain security and stability is a shared national responsibility that requires the concerted efforts of both official authorities and the public. This is essential to safeguarding the dignity and security of the city’s residents and all those displaced to it, without distinction.