Daijiworld Media Network – Beirut
Beirut, Jun 6: In a significant development that could reshape the security landscape in southern Lebanon, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Thursday announced that the Lebanese Army has dismantled over 500 military positions and arms depots belonging to the Hezbollah militant group.
Addressing the nation in a televised speech marking 100 days of his administration, Salam said the action was part of a broader effort to restore state sovereignty and establish a monopoly on the use of weapons across the country.
“The state continues its action to restore its authority over the entire national territory… and to have a monopoly on arms,” the Prime Minister said. “The Lebanese army is continuing its deployment and has so far dismantled more than 500 military positions and arms depots south of the Litani River.”
The region south of the Litani River, located roughly 30 kilometres from the Israeli border, was at the heart of the November ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. Under the pact, Hezbollah was obligated to withdraw its fighters and dismantle all military infrastructure in the area. However, Israel has continued to maintain a presence at five border positions and conducts airstrikes, citing Hezbollah’s activities.
“There can be no security or stability while Israel's daily violations persist, parts of our land remain occupied and our prisoners are not freed,” Salam added, urging an end to border tensions and Israeli incursions.
In another bold move, Prime Minister Salam announced that the government also plans to disarm Palestinian refugee camps, which historically function beyond the state’s jurisdiction.
Turning to Lebanon’s economic woes, Salam asserted that the government’s recovery blueprint is grounded in realism, not wishful thinking. “This plan is no fantasy. It is based on correcting past mistakes and undertaking fundamental reforms in the financial and banking system,” he affirmed.
He highlighted that the Lebanese Parliament has passed a crucial law lifting banking secrecy, addressing a key demand of the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Additionally, the government has approved legislation aimed at restructuring the banking sector — another prerequisite to unlocking billions of dollars in foreign aid.
Lebanon has been grappling with a crippling financial crisis since 2019, triggered by systemic mismanagement and deep-rooted corruption. International donors have consistently called for institutional reforms as a condition for assistance.
Salam’s declarations come amid growing pressure on his administration to deliver security and economic stability in a nation long plagued by sectarian divisions, militant presence, and financial ruin.