Salam Chairs Ministerial Meeting on Escalation, Displacement Response, and Online Abuse
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired the regular ministerial meeting at the Grand Serail to review military and political developments and the government’s response plan for displacement and relief needs.
Information Minister Paul Morcos said discussions opened with rising verbal abuse on social media, outlining awareness initiatives conducted with international partners including UNESCO and the United Nations Development Programme. He said educational campaigns and coordination among ministries aim to promote responsible use of platforms, stressing that violations exceeding freedom of expression fall under criminal prosecution. Salam underscored that such acts are subject to judicial action.
The Defence Minister presented a report on military developments, noting evacuations following Israeli warnings and strikes near Lebanese Army and UNIFIL positions, prompting troop repositioning. He also addressed border control efforts with Syria. Interior Minister reviewed security developments, focusing on celebratory gunfire and related casualties, detailing enforcement measures and arrests.
Displacement dominated the agenda, with Social Affairs Minister and relevant ministers outlining plans for shelter, funding and relief.
Morcos said the government is pursuing parallel tracks of awareness and legal action to address online abuse, including coordination with the Education Ministry and international organisations. He also stressed the need to pass a long-delayed media law, which includes provisions to combat hate speech and its consequences.
