Lebanon's Deputy PM on Disarming Hezbollah and Rebuilding the Nation

Lebanon's Post-Conflict Priorities

• 🇱🇧 Lebanon faces a devastated country, a fragmented state apparatus, and a severe economic crisis, with the daunting task of rebuilding in every sense.
• 🎯 Key priorities include rebuilding damaged institutions, restoring the state's authority over all Lebanese territory, and ensuring the exclusive right to bear arms rests with the Lebanese army.
• 🤝 The government seeks support from both Lebanese citizens and international friends to achieve reforms and reconstruction.

Ceasefire Violations and Hezbollah's Arms

• ⚠️ The Deputy PM states that Israel has systematically violated the cessation of hostilities agreement, with over 3,500 documented violations.
• 🕊️ Israel links its withdrawal from occupied southern Lebanese hills to Hezbollah's disarmament, while Lebanon insists on Israel abiding by the agreement and withdrawing from occupied territories.
• 🛡️ Hezbollah has no presence, arms, or munitions south of the Litani River, and the Lebanese army is incrementally extending its authority over southern Lebanon.
• 🙏 The government hopes any resistance to extending state authority will be political, not military, to avoid endangering peace.

Economic Recovery and Financial Reforms

• 💰 A World Bank loan of $250 million is seen as a start for recovery, focusing on infrastructure, water works, electricity, and public buildings, with reconstruction needing an estimated $11 billion.
• 📈 More aid is expected upon reaching an agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
• ⚖️ The government is pursuing economic and financial reforms, including anti-corruption measures and laws like the lifting of bank secrecy, to build international trust and ensure aid is administered transparently.

Regional Peace and President Trump

• 🕊️ The Deputy PM expresses a desire to wait and see regarding President Trump's impact on Middle East peace.
• ❓ True peace in the region requires stopping the war in Gaza, Israel respecting the cessation of hostilities, and engaging in a pathway towards a two-state solution for the Palestinian question.
• 🚫 No conversations were held with Lebanon regarding the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.