Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Monday approved measures to support retired military personnel, including the disbursement of two additional allowances this month. School allowances will be aligned with those of civil servants, at a full rate of 100% and previous grants and bonuses will be incorporated into their core salaries.
The announcement followed a meeting at the Grand Serail that grouped a delegation from the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Veterans Association, led by Brig. Gen. Shamel Roukoz, Finance Minister Yassin Jaber, Defense Minister Michel Menassa, and Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar.
The meeting also resulted in the creation of a joint committee of retirees and officials from the ministries of finance, defense, and interior to review wages and benefits. The committee will address family allowances, including spouse and child support, as well as other entitlements such as medals, with the aim of reflecting these adjustments in the upcoming 2026 public sector budget and ultimately achieving full compensation.
Earlier Monday, retired military personnel staged protests across several regions, voicing frustration over deteriorating living conditions and the lack of concrete financial or social security solutions. Demonstrators blocked roads leading to the Serail just hours before a Cabinet meeting scheduled for 3:00 PM to discuss the draft 2026 budget, criticizing the absence of comprehensive adjustments to salaries and pensions on the agenda.
In parallel, Interior Minister Ahmad Hajjar underscored the need to strengthen security presence, intensify patrols, and ensure national stability during a morning meeting with the Internal Security Forces (ISF). He called for maximum mobilization of officers for field missions and highlighted the ISF’s central role, alongside the Lebanese Army, in safeguarding the country during this critical period. Hajjar also reaffirmed his commitment to both active and retired military personnel, pledging to monitor their situation and improve their social and living conditions. “I will be their spokesperson within the Council of Ministers,” he said.
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