CMEP issues statement on Israel’s planned invasion of Lebanon

The following statement was issued on March 6 by Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP), of which the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) and United Church of Christ are founding members.

Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) is gravely concerned by Israel’s planned ground invasion
of Lebanon and the escalating regional war that continues to engulf the Middle East. The ongoing
expansion of the U.S.–Israeli war on Iran has set the region on fire. Nowhere is this more evident
than in Lebanon.

Following the November 2024 ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, credible
reporting indicates that Israel has violated the ceasefire thousands of times, in excess of 10,000
incidents, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of people and the destruction of homes and
infrastructure across southern Lebanon. Rather than de-escalation, we are witnessing sustained
militarization and collective punishment.

On March 4, 2026, Israel issued a sweeping evacuation order for all communities living south of the
Litani River, and additionally, multiple suburbs of Beirut, the largest forced displacement order in
decades. Entire Lebanese communities, regardless of religion, ideology, or political affiliation, now
face the loss of their homes, farms, businesses, schools, and places of worship. Hundreds of
thousands of people have already been displaced since the Israeli announcement calling for
evacuation. We have seen in previous rounds of Israeli military operations in Lebanon what such
orders mean in practice: villages flattened, civilian infrastructure destroyed, and families uprooted for
generations.

Reports that Israeli troops are amassing at the Lebanese border raise the grave likelihood of a
ground invasion. Such an invasion would have catastrophic consequences for a country that has
already endured economic collapse, political paralysis, and the trauma of repeated wars. It would
not bring peace or security to the people of Lebanon or Israel. Instead, it would entrench political
division, fuel radicalization, and result in devastating civilian casualties.

Christians commit to the belief that every human being is sacred, worthy, and made in the image of
God. The deliberate or reckless destruction of civilian life and livelihood violates fundamental moral
principles rooted in our faith traditions. Security built upon the mass displacement of civilians and
the devastation of entire communities is neither just nor sustainable. Scripture calls us to be
peacemakers, not arsonists in an already burning region.

This war must be stopped.

CMEP urgently calls on American elected officials, including members of the U.S. Congress, to:

• Enforce the Iran War Powers Act resolution and reassert congressional authority over U.S. military engagement in the region.
• Immediately halt offensive weapons shipments to Israel because of their use in violation of both U.S. and international law.
• Press for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Lebanon and across the region.
• Support diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation and a durable regional ceasefire and long-term negotiated political settlements toward a just peace.

The United States must not enable an expanded war that will devastate civilians, destabilize the
region, and undermine prospects for a just peace. Diplomacy, restraint, and accountability, not
invasion and escalation, are the only pathways that can lead toward lasting security.