US Envoy urges Lebanon to Consolidate Military Control by year’s End Amid Rising Tensions
The future of Lebanon’s security hinges on the swift implementation of a plan to bring all weapons under state control by the end of the year, according to US envoy Morgan Ortagus. The call for disarmament came during the twelfth meeting of the Committee to Supervise the Cessation of Hostilities,held in Naqoura to assess the Lebanese army‘s progress in maintaining stability and strengthening disarmament efforts.
The meeting,hosted by the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL),included US General Joseph Clearfield,Chairman of the Committee,and Counselor Ortagus,alongside representatives from all involved delegations. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to supporting stability in Lebanon and agreed to a more systematic meeting schedule, with thirteen additional sessions planned before the end of the year.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam underscored the dangers of unregulated weaponry, stating that “any weapon outside the scope of the state represents a danger and does not serve any cause.” His remarks, delivered during a cabinet session, followed the recent killing of Elio ernesto Abu Hanna in the Shatila camp and highlighted the urgent need to end the proliferation of illegal arms within Palestinian camps. Salam affirmed the government’s commitment to extending state authority throughout Lebanon to ensure the security and stability of its citizens.
The Council of Ministers initially decided on August 5th to restrict all weapons,including those held by Hezbollah,to the Lebanese state,tasking the army with developing and implementing a plan by year’s end. However, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has repeatedly rejected calls for disarmament, conditioning any such move on a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.
Escalating tensions were further underscored by recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon, including targeted assassinations of individuals Israel claims are affiliated with Hezbollah, and sustained bombardment of eastern and southern regions. These actions have resulted in over 4,000 deaths and 17,000 injuries since October 2023, escalating to a complete war by September 2024. Israel has also been accused of violating the ceasefire agreement more than 4,500 times, occupying five Lebanese hills and other areas for decades.
General Clearfield praised the lebanese Army’s professionalism,noting its diverse operations,from protecting olive harvests to dismantling underground facilities suspected of being used by hostile actors. “This performance reflects the strength of the Lebanese army and its firm determination to secure the future of its country,” he stated. During the committee meeting, the Lebanese army detailed a recent operation to clear an underground facility near Wadi al-Uzziyah, with plans for further reconnaissance.
The committee also addressed ongoing efforts to mitigate violations of the cessation of hostilities arrangements, agreeing to keep this issue a central focus of future discussions. The Mechanism Committee, officials stated, plays a crucial role in monitoring and verifying commitments made by both Israel and Lebanon.
Concurrent with the committee meeting, a joint American-Egyptian diplomatic effort is underway to prevent further Israeli military escalation against Lebanon.Ortagus reportedly raised the possibility of expanding the committee to include diplomats, while Egyptian intelligence chief Major General Hassan Rashad, instrumental in brokering the Gaza truce, advised Lebanese officials to cooperate with ongoing proposals to de-escalate the situation.
Recent incidents on the ground highlight the fragility of the situation. Reports indicate that Israeli soldiers attempted to intercept a Lebanese army vehicle in the English Tomb area, opening fire after crossing into Lebanese territory. Additionally, the Israeli army confirmed the elimination of Hussein Ali Tohme, identified as a logistical support official for Hezbollah’s qana sector, alleging his activities violated existing understandings between israel and Lebanon.
These attacks were raised during a meeting between Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raji and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit. Raji emphasized the need for international pressure on Israel to cease its threats and reaffirmed Lebanon’s determination to exercise full sovereignty over its territory through its own forces. Aboul Gheit reiterated the League’s support for Lebanon, stressing the importance of prioritizing national interests. He later met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to discuss the evolving security landscape.
Pro tip: The success of this plan heavily relies on the cooperation of all parties involved,including Hezbollah,which has so far shown resistance to disarmament.
