Syriac Maronite Patriarch al-Raï: Recent escalation between Hezbollah and Israel is an attempt to divert attention from Beirut port explosion

BEIRUT — Commenting on the recent escalation along the Lebanese–Israeli border between Hezbollah and the Israeli Army which coincided with the commemoration of the first anniversary of the explosion of the port of Beirut, Syriac Maronite Patriarch Mor Bechara Boutros al-Raï said that the launching of rockets from Lebanese territory was an attempt to divert attention from the memory of the port explosion. The Patriarch stressed the importance of holding those responsible for the explosion accountable.

“We cannot accept peace and war, and Lebanon has not signed peace with Israel, has not decided a war with it, and remains committed to the truce,” the Patriarch said.

Mor Bechara Boutros al-Raï called on the Lebanese Army to prevent rocket fire from Lebanese territory and prevent the exhausted Lebanese people from being subjected to yet more destruction.

With regard to the formation of the government, Patriarch al-Raï said that no official has the right to invoke his powers to delay the formation of the government or to block it.

Powerful statement from @bkerki: "Lebanon's Maronite Patriarch al-Rahi called on Sunday for the Lebanese army to take control of the southern part of the country, Hezbollah's stronghold, and strictly implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701…"https://t.co/Jv6vpo5Eai

— IDC ن (@indefchristians) August 9, 2021