Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized on Saturday the increasing responsibilities of the Lebanese army, particularly in the country's southern region bordering Israel, highlighting the necessity for full deployment of military forces along the southern frontier.
According to Anadolu Agency, in a statement commemorating the 81st anniversary of the Lebanese Army, President Aoun underscored the army's critical role as the sole guarantor of Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and independence. He insisted on the need to reinforce the constitutional and national principle that only the state holds the legitimacy for armed forces within Lebanon.
President Aoun stressed that the Lebanese army is the only entity with the authority, capability, and legitimacy to act as Lebanon's exclusive military force. This stance follows the Lebanese Cabinet's decision in August 2025 to centralize all weapons, including those held by Hezbollah, under state control. The army was tasked with devising a disarmament plan by the end of August and executing it by the year's end.
In January, the army announced the successful completion of the first phase of its plan to consolidate weapons under state control in areas south of the Litani River. However, it highlighted ongoing challenges posed by Israeli attacks and territorial occupation, which impede the plan's full implementation.
President Aoun pointed out that the army's responsibilities increase with every step of Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese land. He called for the full deployment of military units along the entire southern border, asserting that this action would affirm Lebanon's sovereignty and facilitate the safe return of residents to their communities.
He also committed to ongoing efforts by the presidency, parliament, and government to enhance the living conditions of military personnel and secure further international support for the army, including equipment and training upgrades.
On July 21, as part of the initial phase following the Israeli army's withdrawal, the Lebanese army began deploying in Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, one of the designated 'pilot areas.' Despite the agreement, Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, some territories held for decades and others since the 2023-2024 conflict, with recent operations extending more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory.
According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, since March 2, Israeli attacks have resulted in over 4,300 deaths and more than 12,200 injuries, reflecting the ongoing humanitarian toll in the region.