Beirut, Lebanon – In the first prominent political reaction to the new government’s policies, Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea affirmed on Thursday that the government’s decision to impose state authority in Beirut and collect illegal weapons represents a fundamental turning point in addressing the crises plaguing the country.
In a tweet on the “X” platform, Geagea stated that this decision comes in response to urgent national needs. The government aims primarily to protect the capital and spare its residents the scourge of repeated attacks.
Addressing the core of the problem
In a press statement, Geagea said that the government’s decision to task the Lebanese army and relevant security agencies with seriously and effectively extending state authority in Beirut and collecting all illegal and illicit weapons “hit the heart of the problem.”
The head of the Lebanese Forces party stressed that taking action is the only way to protect Beirut and its residents. This is especially vital after the bloody events that the capital witnessed “yesterday.” He referred to the Israeli airstrikes. These attacks used the military presence as a pretext to target civilians.
A thousand-mile journey with a popular cover
Geagea considered this step, while representing “a first step on a long road,”
to be “a very significant step supported by the majority of Lebanese.”
He explained that the importance of this decision lies in the fact that it removes political cover from any illegal practices.
Moreover, this act places the military and security institutions before their historical responsibilities.
The head of the Lebanese Forces party added: “After this decision,
the army and the relevant security forces can no longer claim the absence of
a political will to effectively extend the state’s authority,
even if only within the Beirut governorate as a first step,” noting
that the political will is now clear and documented in the Cabinet’s records.
A call for immediate action to restore trust
In closing, Geagea directly called upon the Lebanese Army, security forces,
and relevant judicial authorities to immediately implement the government’s decision.
He asserted that the strict and transparent implementation of this decision is essential
to restoring the confidence of Lebanese citizens, wherever they may be.
He insisted that a genuine state exists to protect and safeguard their interests.
He also said that they are not left to their own devices in the face of uncontrolled weapons or external threats.
Geagea’s statements further deepen the political divide surrounding the issue of weapons.
This comes at a time when the Lebanese public is anxiously awaiting the executive branch’s ability to translate this decision into reality.
That is particularly important given the objections raised by Hezbollah ministers during the cabinet meeting. Therefore,
this makes Beirut a true “testing ground” for the prestige of the Lebanese state.
It also tests its capacity to monopolize the legitimate use of force.
