Beirut – Lebanon is facing a war of attrition that is escalating unilaterally, according to Prime Minister Nawaf Salam. In remarks made today, the Prime Minister suggested that Hezbollah’s arsenal has failed to deter Israel and protect Lebanese citizens.
Salam’s statements coincide with the first anniversary of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. He addressed members of the press at the government headquarters in Beirut.
“We are in a state of escalating war of attrition, initiated by one side,” Salam stated. He added that despite the grim situation, there are positive developments indicating a gradual restoration of confidence in the country.
The Prime Minister addressed the issue of arms control, saying, “We have set a deadline for the process of restricting weapons. The initial phase, scheduled to conclude by year’s end, focuses on the area south of the Litani River, where weapons and military infrastructure must be removed.”
“North of the Litani River, the immediate principle is to contain the weapons, preventing their transfer and use. We will then transition to subsequent phases to restrict weapons in all regions,” he elaborated.
Salam emphasized that Lebanon is “already late” in implementing arms control and asserting state authority, as stipulated in the Taif Agreement.
Acknowledging Hezbollah’s role in liberating the south, Salam criticized the group’s narrative regarding its weapons. “Hezbollah claims its weapons deter aggression, but deterrence means preventing the enemy from attacking. The Israeli army has attacked, and the weapons have not deterred them,” he stated.
“Hezbollah’s weapons have not protected either the group’s leaders or the Lebanese people and their property, as evidenced by the destruction of dozens of villages,” Salam asserted. He further noted the incomplete implementation of UN Resolution 1701 from 2006, reminding that the preamble to the ceasefire agreement identifies six Lebanese security agencies authorized to bear arms.
