Lead:
Lebanon's cabinet convened without Defense Minister Michel Manssi on Thursday, marking an escalation in tensions between the minister and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam over military leadership and governance of southern operations. Manssi's absence follows a public apology issued to families of fallen soldiers and criticism of institutional failures. The boycott signals internal friction within the government as security pressures mount from regional developments and international coordination efforts.
Details:
According to Al-Akhbar, Defense Minister Manssi issued a formal statement apologizing to families of fallen military personnel, stating that silence would not define the outcome and that yesterday's failures would not be the final chapter. The minister emphasized that the military institution "is not a party to vendetta, nor a card to be used and discarded," signaling pushback against perceived marginalization of the armed forces in government decision-making.
An-Nahar reported that tension erupted over the status of a security zone in southern Lebanon, with Israeli media revealing American pressure on the Israeli government to withdraw from positions there. The outlet noted a divergence between American and Israeli positions on occupation of the demarcation area, with the conflict now framing the military institution as caught between Prime Minister Salam and the defense ministry.
In parallel developments, Al-Akhbar reported that Britain and Italy have emerged as candidate nations—alongside Switzerland and Indonesia—to verify Hezbollah disarmament under a proposed mechanism. However, a Lebanese official denied to Ad-Diyar that Beirut had reached agreement with Israel on a definitive list of verification countries, underscoring competing narratives on regional security arrangements.
Army Commander Rudolph Hekl visited Manssi to affirm unity within the military and its role protecting Lebanon, according to Al-Akhbar, suggesting efforts to contain institutional fracture. Ad-Diyar also reported that a memorandum of understanding on security support was signed between Interior Minister Ahmad Al-Hajjar, Defense Minister Manssi, and British Ambassador Hamish Cowell, indicating continued foreign engagement despite domestic discord.
Watch For:
The duration of Manssi's boycott and whether it expands to other ministerial absences, potentially destabilizing cabinet function or forcing early government restructuring. The outcome of international verification mechanisms for southern disarmament, particularly whether Beirut and Israel reach binding accord on observer nations. Developments in regional security, especially if American or Israeli military movements in the south accelerate, which could further pressure Lebanese civil-military relations.