Beirut, Lebanon – The Lebanese Army has successfully completed the first phase of its plan to restrict weapons in the area south of the Litani River. This announcement was made following a cabinet meeting where the army’s progress was reviewed.
Lebanese Information Minister Paul Murqos stated that the cabinet received the monthly report from the Army Commander regarding the deployment and weapons restriction efforts. He commended the military institution for its efforts and the operational control it has achieved in the region.
According to Murqos, the Army Commander presented the accomplishments of the first phase, supported by figures, documents, and maps. The government expressed its appreciation for the army’s role in southern Lebanon, as well as its efforts to contain weapons north of the river, control the border with Syria, prevent smuggling, and combat drugs and terrorism, in addition to its social, medical, and educational tasks.
The cabinet has instructed the army command to continue implementing the government plan in its entirety and as quickly as possible. Murqos revealed that a special plan for the area north of the Litani River is being prepared and will be presented in the upcoming monthly report in early February.
Regarding the weapons restriction, Murqos emphasized that the army’s actions south of the Litani represent a complete achievement for the first phase. He explained that the full deployment has been affected by the continued Israeli occupation of some border points and ongoing violations that hinder the army’s work. He noted that these violations, along with challenges related to equipment and funding, affect the army’s missions, despite its determination to continue performing its duties in various regions.
Murqos concluded by affirming that the implementation of this plan is a fundamental step towards extending state sovereignty and monopolizing weapons in its hands, in line with the ministerial statement and the oath of office. He explained that the phased implementation came in light of delays in promised military support, and that the remaining phases will be completed gradually and as quickly as possible.
The Lebanese government approved a plan in August to restrict weapons to the state, including Hezbollah’s weapons, which the Lebanese army welcomed in September. The successful completion of this first phase marks a significant step towards achieving that goal.
