Lebanese gov’t greenlights plan to restrict arms to State

06/09/2025

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 6: In an effort to show the strength of the State, maintain its prestige, and implement the strategy of Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to restore internal security and stability in Lebanon, and protect the country from any internal threat that might rekindle scenes of the civil wars which hindered the country’s development journey, the Lebanese government, headed by Nawaf Salam, approved in its last meeting the plan of the Lebanese Army to restrict weapons to the State only, reports Al-Seyassah daily. The Hezbollah and Amal Movement ministers withdrew from the last Cabinet meeting, a recurring scenario in any discussion of disarming Hezbollah. With indescribable determination and a strong hand, the Cabinet approved the disarmament of any party threatening the internal security.

This is an affirmation that the country’s supreme interest transcends partisan interests. President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam presided over the session, which was described as historic. Political circles in and outside Lebanon welcomed the approval of the plan – long awaited by the Lebanese people – to put weapons only in the hands of the Lebanese Army, considering it the impregnable fortress protecting Lebanese territory from any internal or external threats that could destabilize the security situation, put Lebanon back to a dangerous situation, and herald the return of the specter of civil war, which hampered the country in every aspect, driven out foreign capital, and squandered the development process. Local and international political circles praised the Cabinet for welcoming the plan of the Army and the stages of its implementation, which will put arms under the sole command of the Army – the only legitimate authority in the country with the right to bear arms.

They emphasized that the government’s approval to restrict the control of arms to the Army is in line with the strategy of President Joseph Aoun, who has taken it upon himself – and emphasized in numerous speeches to the people and the world, most notably in his inaugural address – the importance of the solidarity and cooperation of all State institutions and all segments of the population with him to achieve the reforms he promised. The vast majority of the Lebanese people support all of President Joseph Aoun’s reform plans and orientations to restore security and stability in Lebanon and return it to its previous status as a tourist destination for Gulf and Arab citizens, as well as tourists from around the world.

President Joseph Aoun has achieved some economic and financial reforms during his term, despite assuming office only at the beginning of this year. Local and international political circles praised the Lebanese Armed Forces for their efforts to maintain internal security amid the critical circumstances Lebanon is experiencing. They have successfully implemented the 2024 Cessation of Hostilities Agreement and reinforced their presence until they were able to regain control and maintain internal security. These circles underscored the importance of the government’s position, headed by Nawaf Salam, and its solidarity with President Joseph Aoun’s demands to place weapons in the hands of the Lebanese Army alone, thus, restoring the country’s prestige. They also confirmed the continuous solidarity of all State institutions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, so he can implement his reform measures. They said Lebanon will never regain its strength and prestige if weapons remain in the hands of forces and militias that do not understand the country’s interests, especially since they do not represent the State.

Following the historic Cabinet session, Lebanese Information Minister Paul Morcos told the media, “the Army Commander presented his plan to implement the arms restriction decision”, confirming that the Cabinet welcomed various stages of the plan laid down by the Army Commander to put weapons only in the hands of the State. He disclosed that the Army will begin implementing the plan to extend State sovereignty within available and limited resources, and will submit a monthly report to the Cabinet regarding the arms restriction plan. Morcos stated that the Cabinet decided to keep the content of the Army’s plan and its deliberations confidential, indicating the Prime Minister assured the Cabinet that no investments will be made and no economy will grow without security. He pointed out that the government has not made any concessions regarding the sovereignty plan and it is proceeding without causing an “internal explosion”. In a related development, Lebanese Labor Minister Mohammed Haidar commented on the withdrawal of Hezbollah and Amal Movement ministers. He asserted, “their withdrawal from the Cabinet session is consistent with their position -- reject the American paper.”

Arab Times Special