Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun reaffirmed the central role of the Lebanese Army as a unifying force, defending the country’s sovereignty and ensuring stability.

Speaking at a ceremony marking the Lebanese Army Day, Aoun honored the sacrifices of fallen soldiers, stating, “Every martyr who fought and fell defending Lebanon, regardless of their affiliation, represents a national treasure.”

He emphasized that “no institution in the country unites the Lebanese like the army” and called on political factions to rally behind the military, stressing the need to restrict all weapons to the Lebanese Army and security forces. “It is our collective duty to push for the restriction of weapons to the Lebanese Army and security forces,” he said.

Appeal Against Israeli Attacks, Call for Disarmament

Addressing recent Israeli strikes on Lebanon, Aoun revealed that he had appealed to the United States to intervene and halt attacks “by land, sea, and air.” He reiterated his call for the disarmament of all armed factions, including Hezbollah, framing his position as a move to protect Lebanon’s borders and restore full state authority.

On regional issues, Aoun stressed the need for a permanent solution to the Syrian refugee crisis, which he described as a long-standing humanitarian and economic burden on Lebanon.

Domestic Reforms and Stability

The president highlighted recent governance reforms, including the appointment of a new board for the Council for Development and Reconstruction and changes at Banque du Liban aimed at boosting economic activity and restoring investor confidence. He reaffirmed his commitment to holding parliamentary elections on schedule, urging national unity and accountability.

“Our legitimacy stems from the legitimacy of our army, and our dignity stems from its dignity,” Aoun declared. “Today, we must choose between collapse or stability. There is no third option.”

Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Pressure

President Aoun’s remarks came a day after Hezbollah’s Deputy Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem rejected calls for the group’s disarmament. Speaking on the first anniversary of the assassination of Commander Fouad Shokor, Qassem accused the United States of pushing for Hezbollah’s disarmament “for Israel’s benefit, not Lebanon’s security.”

Qassem noted that US envoy Tom Barrack was “surprised by a unified Lebanese stance” from the president, prime minister, and parliament speaker, all demanding a halt to Israeli aggression before discussing other issues.

Hezbollah, Qassem said, has expressed readiness to discuss integrating its weapons into a national defense strategy, but will not abandon arms under foreign pressure. “We will not accept that Lebanon be annexed to Israel even if the whole world unites for this,” he asserted, vowing to resist any attempt to strip Lebanon of what he described as its “source of strength.” (ILKHA)