Lebanese president reaffirms state's sole right to arms

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said, "The only weapons that protect the land are those held legally by the state."

He added that "Lebanon rejects the south being treated as a forgotten area or a bargaining chip," according to the National News Agency.

Aoun continued, "Southern Lebanon continues to suffer from ongoing Israeli occupation attacks and violations of the cessation of hostilities, with citizens enduring daily sacrifices and steadfastness."

He further stated, "Lebanon once again affirms its full commitment to ensuring that only the state holds legitimate arms, and to extending the authority of the Lebanese Armed Forces across all Lebanese territory, in line with Resolution 1701 and to guarantee Lebanon's full sovereignty."

The issue of limiting arms to the Lebanese state remains one of the most difficult challenges facing the government, as Israeli forces threaten the south and Hezbollah members continue to carry arms outside the state's official framework and laws.

UN Security Council Resolution 1701 was unanimously adopted in 2006 to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, calling for a permanent ceasefire and the creation of a buffer zone.

The resolution also allowed for an increase in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to a maximum of 15,000 personnel to monitor the cessation of hostilities, support the Lebanese Armed Forces during the Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and ensure the safe return of displaced persons.