Egypt has called on the international community to intensify support for Lebanon’s armed forces as the country advances with its plan to disarm the militant group Hezbollah and bring all weapons under state control.
Cairo Meeting Ahead of Paris Conference
Speaking at a preparatory meeting in Cairo on Tuesday, Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty praised the Lebanese army for completing the first phase of the disarmament plan.
“This achievement reflects the efficiency of the military institution and requires intensifying international support to complete the remaining phases of the plan,” Abdelatty said.
The meeting comes ahead of next month’s Paris conference in support of the Lebanese army.
Lebanon’s Disarmament Efforts
Lebanon’s government committed last year to disarming Hezbollah, weakened after a recent war with Israel, and tasked the army with implementing the plan. Progress so far includes:
- Phase One completed in January, targeting the area south of the Litani River.
- Confiscation of weapons and dismantling of Hezbollah facilities and tunnels.
- Plans to tackle the area north of the river in the coming months, with the army estimating at least four months to finish the second phase.
International Participation
Tuesday’s meeting brought together Lebanon’s top security chiefs, including Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal and Internal Security Forces Director-General Major General Raed Abdallah, alongside representatives of the Quintet Committee on Lebanon. Delegates included Qatar’s Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi, French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Yazid bin Farhan, and senior US officials.
Abdelatty also met separately with Le Drian, stressing the need for a comprehensive international approach to Lebanon’s crisis. He emphasized that stability requires Israel to halt its aggression and withdraw from occupied Lebanese territories.
Regional Tensions
Israel has criticized Lebanon’s progress as insufficient, accusing Hezbollah of rearming despite the ceasefire agreed in November 2024. Regular Israeli strikes have continued, underscoring the fragile security environment.
