Lebanese PM says army deployment in south restores state authority

Lebanon's Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced the deployment of the army in the south, asserting it signals state authority and control. He emphasized the government's commitment to disarming Hezbollah and regaining decision-making power over war and peace affairs. Salam's comments followed Army Commander Joseph Aoun's receipt of an invitation to participate in a Paris meeting in September, ahead of an international conference to bolster the Lebanese Armed Forces.

Addressing military personnel at the South Litani Sector headquarters in Tyre, Salam stated, "Wherever the army is deployed, the state regains its sovereignty, authority, and prestige." He further explained, "We want the south, like all of Lebanon, to be under the authority of a single state... for the country to enjoy stability as the state and its constitutional institutions reclaim the decision over war and peace."

Salam commended the military for their crucial role during Lebanon's recent conflict with Hezbollah and Israel, which ended with a ceasefire in November 2024. Following the devastating war, the Lebanese government approved a plan to disarm Hezbollah, restricting weapons to legitimate forces, and entrusting the army with its implementation.

Direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel began on March 2, mediated by the US, leading to a framework agreement on June 21. This agreement demanded Hezbollah's disarmament, a gradual Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and the Lebanese army's deployment in designated "pilot" areas. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, opposes disarmament and the direct talks between Lebanon and Israel.

Lebanon has long sought international support to strengthen its army, addressing equipment, personnel, and technical capabilities shortages. Paris is set to host a preparatory meeting on September 17 for an international conference to assist the Lebanese army and security forces, initially planned for March but delayed due to the conflict triggered by US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

Salam pledged the government's efforts to "mobilize all possible Arab and international support to develop the army's human resources and modernize its equipment," emphasizing that "the strength of the Lebanese army lies not only in its arms and equipment, but also in its unity." He urged military personnel to uphold "the unity" of their institution, warning that "the horrors of politics" should not divide them, and insisting that they "accept only the constitution and the law as your reference."

Salam stressed that Lebanese citizens must have "one army, one flag, and one state" to overcome the country's crisis and protect their homeland.