Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced in Davos, Switzerland on Thursday that Lebanon has full operational control over southern Lebanon and will expand operations north of the Litani river as international engagement with Lebanon increases.
Salam outlined a two-part policy driving the Lebanese state’s governance goals: institutional and financial reform and restoring the Lebanese state’s monopoly on arms possession.
He highlighted actions taken to move towards these objectives, citing a new law passed that strengthens the judiciary with a mechanism that appoints state employees. This has established a regulatory framework that is capable of overseeing important areas such as telecommunications and electricity.
In the statement, Salam also declared that Lebanese territory south of the Litani river is under full Lebanese sovereignty for the first time since prior to the outbreak of civil war in 1975. The Lebanese cabinet has approved a plan to initiate the second phase of restoring full Lebanese state sovereignty, expanding its focus north of the Litani river.
He urges that Hezbollah take part in the Lebanese political system as a political party rather than an independent organization with a regional agenda.
Salam further adds that Lebanon intends to utilize diplomatic and political means to garner international pressure for stopping attacks on the country from Israel and securing Israel’s withdrawal from the five occupied points in the south.
As Lebanon strengthens its sovereignty, Nidaa al-Watan confirmed Salam’s recent meetings with representatives from international organizations including UNHCR, the World Bank, OCHA, and IMF head Kristalina Georgieva. This engagement reflects the increased international confidence in Lebanon.
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