Locally, today a "consultative meeting" was held between Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the ministers at the Grand Serail to discuss the security, supply, and displaced persons files. At the outset of the meeting, Mikati emphasized, "We do not accept our airspace being violated, and we call on the Minister of Interior to enforce laws strictly on displaced persons and take strict measures against violators."
In another context, the Speaker of the Parliament, Nabih Berri, called for a meeting of the Council's bureau on Wednesday, April 17th.
Amid ongoing Israeli aggression on the southern Lebanese front, the Lebanese Foreign Ministry called for de-escalation, stressing that it is closely monitoring the recent events and developments in the Middle East as the region teeters on the brink.
Regionally, amidst escalating tensions and increasing international calls for comprehensive de-escalation, the Iranian Foreign Minister informed his British counterpart that Tehran does not favor increased tensions but will respond immediately and more strongly than before if Israel retaliates.
In this context, Israeli Channel 12 revealed that "Israel seeks to deliver a painful blow to Iran without triggering a full-scale war." The Washington Post cited an informed source stating that "Netanyahu has instructed the military to present options for targets in response to the Iranian attack, such as a possible strike on a facility in Tehran or a cyberattack."
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Israel to "contribute to reducing tensions" in the Middle East following the unprecedented attack by Iran. The French Foreign Ministry also emphasized that "Iran's dangerous and unprecedented actions threatening Israel and our partners must stop immediately."
In a new statement, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid stated that the current government led by Benjamin Netanyahu has become a "existential threat" to Israel.
Updating the catastrophic figures in Gaza, the death toll rose to 33,797 since the start of the hot war between Israel and Hamas.
In the Gulf, the Kuwaiti News Agency announced the issuance of an Amiri decree appointing Ahmed Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah as Prime Minister, following the resignation of former Prime Minister Mohammed Sabah Al-Sabah.
Internationally, Bishop Mar Mar Emmanuel was subjected to a stabbing attempt inside a church in western Sydney, Australia.
Meanwhile, the Canadian Foreign Ministry announced "sanctions on 6 individuals and entities associated with the conflict in Sudan."
On the economic front, the 49th edition of the Middle East Energy Exhibition kicks off tomorrow in Dubai, featuring the largest knowledge exchange program alongside a focused agenda centered on exploring avenues for achieving energy security and sustainability.
