Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has set out a new mechanism for developing a “national security strategy” to be decided solely through constitutional institutions rather than political dialogues.
Reaffirming his government’s resolve, Salam declared: “There’s no turning back from decisions. We will move ahead with their implementation.”
His statement came after meeting with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, in a visit seen as closing a chapter of political strain triggered by the government’s August 5 decision to enforce the state’s exclusive authority over weapons. That policy had sparked friction with Hezbollah and its ally, the Amal Movement led by Berri.
The encounter followed Berri’s earlier meeting with President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace. According to government sources, the meetings that came after the last cabinet session helped ease political tensions between the two sides.
Speaking after Tuesday’s talks, Salam denied any tension with the speaker: Our relationship is permanent.”
The premier said he hoped to see progress on US envoy Tom Barrack’s proposal on the implementation of the terms of a November 2024 ceasefire deal, which calls for withdrawals, prisoner releases, and broader security measures.
He underscored that the government’s foundation remains the Taif Accord, which mandates state sovereignty across Lebanese territory. “The ministerial statement clearly affirms the exclusivity of arms under the state and the state’s control over decisions of war and peace,” he said.
On Hezbollah’s weapons, Salam noted that the government is bound by its policy statement, which was twice endorsed by parliament, including by Hezbollah lawmakers. He added that the army’s plan to address the issue will be reviewed monthly: “There will be no backtracking on the decisions. Implementation will continue.”
The Army Plan
On August 5, the cabinet instructed the army to draw up a disarmament plan for Hezbollah by year’s end. Army commander Rodolphe Haykal presented it on September 5, prompting Hezbollah and Amal ministers to walk out. While the plan does not adhere to the strict timetable originally set, Hezbollah insists on negotiating a comprehensive defense strategy through national dialogue.
Salam countered that the government has committed not to a defense strategy but a broader national security strategy that spans multiple sectors. “Decisions are taken exclusively in constitutional institutions, not inside talks,” he emphasized.
He also called for greater international support for the armed forces, citing their huge responsibilities. The government, he said, hopes for a donor conference similar to the Rome meeting previously backed by French President Emmanuel Macron.
Disarmament in Phases
Foreign Minister Youssef Raji disclosed that the army’s plan foresees removing weapons from the southern border area within three months. By the end of November, he said, all armed presence south of the Litani River - some 30 kilometers from the Israeli border - should be eliminated.
The plan’s subsequent phases will extend to other regions, including Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, though without set deadlines.
The army will "tighten and increase the number of checkpoints, prevent the movement and carrying of weapons... but without conducting raids, arresting individuals, or confiscating weapons from warehouses," Raji added.
Raji insisted, in remarks to AFP, that Lebanon’s commitment to exclusive state control over arms is rooted in its constitution, the Taif Accord, and the government’s own program - not in US mediation.
He accused Israel of failing to show reciprocal commitment, saying Lebanon continues to exert diplomatic pressure for Israeli withdrawal from southern territory.
