Foreign Minister Youssef Raji stressed that Lebanon's goal is to extend state authority over its entire territory, stressing that achieving this requires Israel's complete withdrawal from the south. He pointed out that, “Lebanon chose to rebuild a state that alone monopolizes its foreign policy and national security decisions.” He said during his participation in a conference “in solidarity with Lebanon” in the French Senate at the invitation of its president, Gérard Larcher, “Lebanon is no longer moving according to the dictates of circumstances, but rather according to a clear vision that considers that sovereignty is indivisible, that national decisions cannot be delegated, and that the monopoly of legitimate power can only be held by the state.” He added: "Therefore, we welcome every partner who contributes to strengthening the Lebanese state, and we reject anyone who seeks to replace it." He stressed that "decisions related to war and peace, national security, and foreign policy are taken today in Beirut, and in Beirut alone."