The Lebanese government on Monday reviewed the first report on its Exclusive Arms Control Plan, presented by Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, in line with the cabinet decision of September 5.
During the same session, the government suspended the operating license of the Risalat Association following public backlash over the illumination of Beirut’s Raouche Rock last week with images of Hezbollah’s late secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah and his successor Hashem Safieddine.
The cabinet meeting followed days of intense political mediation to prevent a government crisis over the Raouche incident. Ahead of the session, President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam held a private meeting.
Hezbollah reportedly warned the government against revoking the association’s license after Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar proposed dissolving Risalat, which is affiliated with the group. The association had sought permission to hold a memorial for Nasrallah at Raouche Rock, in what officials deemed a violation of state regulations.
The Interior Ministry’s request appeared second on the cabinet’s agenda, following a briefing from the Justice Minister on legal actions taken regarding the September 25 Raouche gathering.
The army report was listed third. However, following political consultations, ministers agreed to defer discussion of the Raouche-related items until the end of the session.
Shiite ministers confirmed they would not withdraw from the meeting, with Environment Minister Tamara el-Zein, affiliated with the Amal Movement, stating: “If the issue of revoking Risalat’s license is put to a vote, we will remain in the session.”
While the cabinet kept deliberations on the arms control plan confidential, Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji described the army’s report as “excellent.”
Information Minister Paul Morkos later announced that the government had decided to suspend Risalat’s operating license.
He added that Aoun and Salam were committed to holding parliamentary elections on time, dismissing rumors of any postponement.
Morkos said the cabinet reviewed the army’s monthly report on arms exclusivity and reaffirmed that the discussions would remain classified while the military continues to submit regular updates.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah renewed its rejection of disarmament and dismissed the government’s move as politically motivated. MP Hassan Fadlallah questioned the army’s capacity to enforce the plan, accusing some officials of seeking confrontation.
In parallel, Risalat held a solidarity gathering in Beirut’s southern suburbs, saying it would continue its activities and pursue legal action. “We carry a sacred mission,” the group said, “and this decision only strengthens our determination.”
