Breaking the Silence: Lebanon’s Bold Move Against Israel at the United Nations
Lebanon has filed a formal complaint with the United Nations following Israel’s alleged abduction of Lebanese national Imad Amhaz, an incident Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called a violation of Lebanon’s sovereignty. Mikati has pushed for an “expedited” investigation, urging the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to deliver a swift complaint to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The abduction, reportedly executed by heavily armed Israeli commandos in Batroun, has sparked intense national outrage, with accusations of “Zionist aggression” coming from Hezbollah and other Lebanese factions.
The Lebanese army, in collaboration with the UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL, has been actively investigating the abduction, an incident Lebanese media describe as unprecedented. For Lebanon, the matter is urgent, and Mikati is determined to bring the issue to international attention, underscoring the need for immediate action to prevent similar incidents in the future. Lebanese officials are calling for the UN to hold Israel accountable for what they describe as a serious violation of international law and human rights.
Israel, however, claims the abducted individual is a senior operative of Hezbollah, which it regards as a significant security threat. This assertion has only fueled Lebanese anger, as the abduction took place far north of Lebanon’s traditionally contested southern regions. The Lebanese government remains committed to securing the individual’s safe return, asserting that he was a civilian naval officer with no affiliation to Hezbollah.
CCTV footage from the incident reportedly shows a group of armed men forcing Amhaz into a speedboat before escaping. These visuals have sparked national concern, particularly because Batroun is a predominantly Christian town, far removed from the border conflicts that often define Lebanese-Israeli tensions. Local and international journalists have echoed Lebanon’s alarm, labeling the abduction a violation of the nation’s security and territorial integrity.
Public Works and Transport Minister Ali Hamieh has reiterated that the victim was a civilian, amplifying Lebanon’s stance at the United Nations. Lebanon argues that Israel’s actions constitute a dangerous escalation, one that disregards Lebanese civilian rights and international boundaries. As the Lebanese government presses its case at the UN, the call for justice has extended beyond Lebanon’s borders, drawing attention to the ongoing conflicts in the region.
With the international community watching, Lebanon’s complaint could set a precedent in how such incidents are handled. Mikati’s office has emphasized the importance of a prompt UN response, stressing the need for preventive measures to protect Lebanese nationals. In his statement, Mikati noted that this could be a critical test of international support for Lebanon’s sovereignty.
