KSA voices support for Lebanon's efforts to monopolize arms
by Naharnet Newsdesk 14 May 2025, 13:27
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman on Wednesday expressed the kingdom's support for the efforts 'led by the Lebanese president and Lebanese government to reform institutions, monopolize arms in the hands of the state and preserve Lebanon's sovereignty and safety.'
The crown prince voiced his remarks at a summit in Riyadh between the leaders of the Gulf countries and U.S. President Donald Trump.
Lebanese authorities have vowed to implement a state monopoly on bearing arms, though President Joseph Aoun has said disarming Hezbollah is a "delicate" matter that requires dialogue.
Hezbollah, long a dominant force in Lebanon, was heavily weakened in its latest war with Israel.
Under a ceasefire deal, Hezbollah was to withdraw its fighters north of Lebanon's Litani River and Israel was to pull all its forces from south Lebanon, however it has kept troops in five areas it deems "strategic".
The Lebanese Army has been deploying in the area as Israeli forces have withdrawn and has been dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure there.
Israel's military still carries out regular strikes in Lebanon, saying it is targeting Hezbollah operatives and infrastructure.
The ceasefire deal was based on a U.N. Security Council resolution that says Lebanese troops and U.N. peacekeepers should be the only forces in south Lebanon, and that calls for the disarmament of all non-state groups.
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