Tom Barrack: The United States will never abandon Lebanon
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LBCI
3 hours ago
- LBCI
What's on the table in Tuesday's Cabinet session? Lebanon weighs disarmament timeline — the details
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian The countdown has begun for Tuesday's Cabinet session, which will resume discussions on implementing the ministerial statement—specifically the section related to extending state authority over its territory using only its own forces. The key question remains: What formula will the government adopt, and will it set a timeline for exclusive control over weapons? The final version of the proposal has not yet been completed. The Lebanese Presidency is currently working on a draft that merges elements from the ministerial statement, the presidential oath of office, and the president's Army Day speech. The draft is expected to be presented to both the prime minister and the parliament speaker. Among the proposals being considered is a government statement reaffirming its commitment to exclusive control of weapons, with implementation details to be referred to the Higher Defense Council. While the formula is still being developed, ministers affiliated with Hezbollah and the Amal Movement are not expected to boycott the session. They believe their participation is essential, given their central role in the issue. Their presence would allow them to register objections, reservations, or comments. Hezbollah is expected to argue that setting a timeline for disarmament is not in Lebanon's interest. The group believes such a move would increase external pressure on the country and that establishing a timeline without reciprocal steps from Israel would amount to political suicide. The Tom Barrack proposal, which is on the session's agenda, outlines a three-phase disarmament plan. Last-minute consultations are expected to intensify. Hezbollah is relying on President Joseph Aoun, who reportedly showed flexibility during a recent meeting with MP Mohammad Raad and acknowledged the sensitivity of the situation, which requires careful handling. Ahead of what is expected to be a tense session, Lebanese officials were surprised by reports that the Lebanon file may have been transferred from U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to Morgan Ortagus. Although Lebanese officials have not officially confirmed the reports, some sources expressed concern about the relevance of discussing the U.S. envoy's proposal in the Cabinet if Barrack is no longer overseeing the file. Other sources noted, however, that Ortagus never fully relinquished the Lebanon file.
LBCI
3 hours ago
- LBCI
Lebanon's president urges $1 billion a year: Can this funding finally secure the army and stabilize the south?
Report by Nada Andraos, English adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian While everything President Joseph Aoun outlined in his recent speech is important and cannot be separated in terms of implementation, the core of his message centered on proposed solutions—chief among them, securing $1 billion in annual funding for the Lebanese Army over the next ten years. Sources familiar with the matter said that although Aoun presented his points gradually, he considers them equally urgent. They noted that the weapons issue remains the key priority. His call for $1 billion in funding stems from his experience as a former army commander and his understanding of what the military requires to fulfill its full mission. According to information obtained by LBCI, the army support plan was first initiated during Aoun's tenure as commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces and has since continued to develop, aiming to reinforce the army's deployment in the south in line with the ceasefire agreement. The requested annual funding is primarily intended to support the army's presence in the south. It would cover salaries for military personnel, the costs of recruiting new troops, and logistical needs related to deployment, including equipment and facilities. The funds would also support special arrangements specific to the army's operational requirements, which are not publicly disclosed due to the sensitive nature of its work. According to the army's current plan, troop numbers in the south are expected to reach 10,000 by this fall, following the recruitment of 4,500 additional soldiers. President Aoun, aware that placing all weapons in the hands of the army necessitates the military being adequately armed to protect Lebanon's territory and security, urged those calling for a state monopoly on arms to honor their commitment to strengthening the army since the ceasefire agreement took effect.
LBCI
3 hours ago
- LBCI
As fuel tax stalls, Lebanon hunts for new ways to pay military and security personnel
Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Akram Chehayeb Before August 15, and possibly within a few days, Lebanon's Ministry of Finance will pay the approved grant for July to both active and retired military and security personnel, once it receives the payroll lists from the army command and security institutions. This grant, which amounts to approximately $30 million per month, was funded through the fuel tax approved by the government before the State Shura Council suspended its implementation a month after its approval. An active-duty soldier will receive 14 million Lebanese lira, while a retiree will receive 12 million. The number of active military personnel stands at 120,000, with retirees totaling around 82,000. The State Shura Council's decision canceled the tax, but the increase was not canceled. Therefore, the Ministry of Finance is facing a challenge in terms of securing alternative sources of funding to continue paying, and here lies the issue. The Ministry of Finance has pledged not to spend a single lira without guaranteed revenue. The ministry is committed to following the International Monetary Fund's advice, fearing that any wrong decision could jeopardize the signing of an agreement with the IMF. But what funding sources are available? Some propose increasing a specific tax on gasoline only, excluding diesel, especially since gasoline is not used by everyone. This tax hike does not require approval from parliament, but some MPs might oppose the measure. Alternative solutions include improving tax collection, encouraging tax compliance, and boosting revenue from customs and coastal property, which could provide alternative funding sources. The most important thing is to move away from relying on consumption taxes and instead adopt permanent and sustainable financing plans.
