Lebanese President Calls for International Support to Strengthen Army and Consolidate State Control of Arms

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called on the United States, European countries and Arab nations to support the Lebanese Army, stressing the need to enhance its capabilities to address the challenges of the coming period.

In press remarks, Aoun said Lebanon was seeking an alternative to the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to prevent any security vacuum after its mandate expires. He emphasized that any force deployed in southern Lebanon should help strengthen the army and reinforce the authority of the state.

Aoun also expressed Lebanon’s desire to reach an agreement with Israel and end the state of hostility as part of efforts to resolve outstanding security and political issues.

Regarding the weapons issue, he reaffirmed the Lebanese state’s commitment to placing all arms under official state control, while stressing that the process must be carried out without triggering internal confrontation.