Latest news with #Baabda Palace
LBCI
4 days ago
- Politics
- LBCI
Countdown to confrontation: Lebanon's Cabinet braces for disarmament showdown
Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Mariella Succar The Lebanese government is handling the issue of exclusive state arms with unprecedented seriousness. In less than 24 hours, the Cabinet Secretariat called for a session on Thursday at Baabda Palace to continue discussions on this topic. The agenda item states: 'Continuing the discussion on implementing the government's ministerial statement regarding extending state sovereignty over all its territories through its own forces, and arrangements for halting hostile actions.' On Tuesday evening, the Cabinet tasked the Lebanese Army with developing a practical plan to consolidate arms under state control and present it by the end of the month, with implementation set for the end of the year. However, the Tuesday decision prompted the withdrawal of two ministers close to the Amal-Hezbollah duo—Rakan Nassereddine and Tamara el-Zein—citing prior communications that did not indicate a timeline for disarmament would be set. Minister Fadi Makki expressed reservations about setting a timetable but did not withdraw, maintaining his insistence on prioritizing Israeli withdrawal. How will Thursday's session unfold as the government moves toward approving Tom Barrack's new proposal, which Hezbollah views as more Israeli than American? As of this report, all scenarios remain possible, according to Amal-Hezbollah sources. The ministers close to the bloc may choose to boycott the session without withdrawing from the government, protesting the new proposal for failing to consider Lebanese concerns. Meanwhile, government sources affiliated with the Lebanese Forces say Tuesday's debate focused on 'the objectives of approving the proposal,' not its technical details, and that the president and prime minister emphasized that the discussion centers on Barrack's revised proposal, which includes Lebanese amendments. Another possibility is a split within the bloc between attending and abstaining members. In this context, Minister el-Zein confirmed to LBCI that she intends to participate in the session. Regardless of the bloc's decision, Minister Makki will attend independently while maintaining his reservations, which would preserve the quorum. Ultimately, Hezbollah considers setting a timetable that does not require Israeli withdrawal as a gift to Israel. In an official statement, the group said the government committed a grave mistake by stripping Lebanon of the resistance's arms and complying with the U.S. envoy's demands. Hezbollah will therefore treat the government's decision as non-existent but will maintain its commitment to dialogue and discussions on national security strategy—just not amid aggression. Conversely, other circles believe Lebanon can no longer afford to remain stagnant. Among them is the leader of the Dignity Movement, Faisal Karami, who told a Hezbollah delegation that the current priorities are protecting Lebanon, preserving civil peace, engaging in serious dialogue with the state, conceding to the army's authority, and maintaining strong relations with Saudi Arabia.
LBCI
01-08-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
Political deliberations: Lebanese Cabinet to tackle controversial arms control
Report by Toni Mrad, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi All eyes are on the Lebanese Cabinet's upcoming session scheduled for Tuesday, with a key agenda item set to address the contentious issue of exclusive control over weapons. The session may proceed in the absence of Ministers Yassine Jaber and Mohammad Haidar, both of whom are close to Hezbollah and currently abroad on pre-scheduled travel. Ministers are expected to continue discussions on the implementation of measures to assert state sovereignty across Lebanese territory using only national military forces. A government statement is anticipated following the session, reaffirming the principle of arms exclusivity under the Lebanese state, while also calling on Israel to cease its ongoing violations, withdraw from Lebanese territory, and release detainees. Army Commander General Rodolph Haykal is also expected to attend the session to present an overview of the Lebanese Armed Forces' efforts related to this matter and outline possible next steps toward arms collection. Following Tuesday's meeting, the issue may be referred to the Higher Defense Council for the development of an appropriate implementation mechanism. Leading up to the session, internal political consultations have intensified. The latest of these took place Thursday evening at Baabda Palace, where Hezbollah MP Mohammad Raad, head of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc, met with President Joseph Aoun. According to LBCI's sources, Hezbollah expressed concern over recent presidential rhetoric, particularly references to the "withdrawal of Hezbollah's weapons." The meeting, described as constructive and flexible, was focused on clarifying key points and avoiding statements that could provoke internal tension. Both parties reaffirmed the importance of Israel's adherence to the ceasefire and withdrawal from Lebanese territory. With only days remaining before the Cabinet session, Lebanese leaders are expected to continue intensive consultations in hopes of reaching common ground on the arms exclusivity clause.
