The Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Friday urged the United Nations to issue a decision for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah have been engaged in open warfare for nearly three weeks.

Mikati reiterated the Lebanese government's commitment to deploy the army along the border with Israel to allow for a cessation of hostilities, and confirmed that Hezbollah is “in agreement” on this matter.

Mikati said after his government meeting that the Cabinet decided to “ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to submit a request to the UN Security Council, urging it to make a decision for a complete and immediate ceasefire.”

He emphasized the “commitment of the Lebanese government to implement Resolution 1701 issued by the Security Council… especially regarding the deployment of the army in southern Lebanon and enhancing its presence on the Lebanese border.”

He confirmed that “the resolution is still valid. Hezbollah is also in agreement. Hezbollah is a partner in this government and agrees on this issue.”