Beirut: The Lebanese army is set to unveil a comprehensive plan to the government next week, aiming to establish exclusive state control over weapons, according to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. He announced this development on Tuesday, emphasizing the initiation of state authority over arms and asserting that there is no reversal of this course.
According to Anadolu Agency, Prime Minister Salam revealed this information during a meeting with US envoy Tom Barrack and his delegation. Discussions centered on Lebanon's internal situation and the outcomes of the US delegation's regional tour. Salam expressed gratitude for US support to the Lebanese army, advocating for expanded financial and military assistance, which he described as crucial to Lebanon's stability.
Salam called for clear international commitments, particularly from major donors, to back Lebanon's forthcoming international conference on reconstruction and economic recovery. The US delegation commended Lebanon's efforts to centralize arms control and implement critical financial and banking reforms, underscoring the importance of these initiatives for the welfare of all Lebanese citizens.
On August 5, the Lebanese government approved a strategy to consolidate all weapons under state jurisdiction, assigning the army to devise and execute this plan by the end of 2025. This decision faced opposition from Hezbollah, which labeled it a 'grave sin.'
The backdrop to these developments includes a military offensive launched by Israel in Lebanon on October 8, 2023, escalating into a full-scale war by September 2024, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and approximately 17,000 injuries. A ceasefire was achieved in November, yet Israeli forces have continued frequent attacks in southern Lebanon, citing Hezbollah activities as targets.
Under the ceasefire agreement, Israel was expected to withdraw completely from southern Lebanon by January 26, but the deadline extended to February 18 following Tel Aviv's non-compliance. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.