Maronite Patriarch Calls for Enhanced Border Control to Prevent Hezbollah Arms Smuggling

The Maronite Patriarch Bechara Rai has called for improved border control in Lebanon, citing recent attempts by Hezbollah to acquire explosives and weapons from Syria. During a Sunday homily in Akoura, Mont-Lebanon, Rai emphasized the dangers posed by these smuggling efforts, noting that a shipment of several hundred kilos of explosives was intercepted on 5 October as it was transported to Beirut’s southern suburbs. He warned that any weakness in border security could threaten the country’s stability and the safety of its citizens.

Rai also addressed the growing sale of land in Christian areas, urging property owners to avoid hasty decisions. He described land as a symbol of memory, roots, and identity, emphasizing that losing it could have irreversible consequences for future generations. The patriarch suggested that the recent surge in land sales might be linked to pressure or offers from individuals who have been controversial in recent days, though he did not specify the exact circumstances.

The patriarch denounced the economic crisis and the erosion of purchasing power for families, stating that the state’s problems are increasingly being solved at the expense of its citizens. He highlighted the challenges faced by the southern regions, which he claimed are suffering more from internal political decisions than from external threats.

Ahmad Kabalan, the Jaafarite mufti, echoed these concerns, arguing that the real threat to Lebanon comes not from the Zionist arsenal but from an internal political arsenal that undermines the country from within. Kabalan criticized what he described as a “political triage project” orchestrated by Washington and Tel Aviv, aiming to “Zionize Lebanon.” He warned that this internal political threat is more dangerous than the external military threat from Israel.

Rai’s remarks reflect a broader concern among Eastern Catholic leaders about the security and sovereignty of Lebanon. The Maronite Church, along with other Eastern Catholic communities, has consistently advocated for the protection of Christian identity and land in the region. Their calls for stronger border control and responsible land management underscore the challenges faced by religious communities in maintaining their heritage amid political and economic instability.

Source: Read the original report (translated from French)