Lebanese president says army sole guarantor of sovereignty

Army's exclusive authority

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Saturday the national army's responsibilities have grown amid escalating developments along the country's southern border with Israel, stressing that complete military deployment across the frontier is essential to restoring state authority. In a presidential statement marking the 81st anniversary of the Lebanese Army, Aoun described the force as "the sole guarantor of Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and independence," according to Anadolu Agency.

Aoun asserted that only the Lebanese army possesses "the decision-making authority, the capability, and the legitimacy" to serve as the state's exclusive military force. "It is time to firmly establish this constitutional and national principle: there is no legitimacy for any weapons outside the legitimacy of the state, and there is no protection for Lebanon except through its national army," he said, referring to the government's efforts to consolidate all arms under state control.

Southern deployment and disarmament

The Lebanese Cabinet approved a decision in August 2025 to place all weapons — including those held by Hezbollah — under the exclusive authority of the state, tasking the army with preparing a disarmament plan by the end of that month and completing implementation before year's end. This January, the army reported that the first phase of its plan to consolidate weapons under state control had achieved its objectives south of the Litani River and had entered an advanced stage, though it noted that continued Israeli attacks and occupation of Lebanese territory were hindering completion.

On July 21, the Lebanese army began deploying in the town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh as part of the first phase following the Israeli army's withdrawal from the pilot area. Aoun said the army's responsibility increases "with every step of Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory," adding that "the next phase requires the full deployment of military units along the entire southern border and the exclusive extension of state authority over its territory." He pledged continued efforts by the presidency, parliament, and government to improve living conditions for military personnel and secure additional international support.

Occupation and casualties

Despite the disarmament agreement, Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon — some for decades and others since the 2023-2024 war — with forces advancing more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during recent operations. According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed over 4,300 people and injured over 12,200 others.