The Lebanese government decided on Thursday to ban weapons held by non-state groups in Beirut, a day after deadly Israeli strikes on the capital.
“Out of concern for citizens’ safety,” the government “requests that the army and security forces immediately extend state control over the Beirut area and restrict the carrying of weapons there to legal forces only,” Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said.
The government also decided to “submit an urgent complaint to the United Nations Security Council regarding Wednesday’s escalation of Israeli attacks against Lebanon, particularly in Beirut, which resulted in a large number of civilian casualties,” Salam added.
Ahead of the cabinet session held at Baabda Palace, President Joseph Aoun expressed frustration with mere statements of condemnation and underscored the need for any ceasefire—such as the one reached between the United States and Iran—to include Lebanon in order to enable effective negotiations. He insisted that only the Lebanese state should negotiate and that no third party should act on its behalf, emphasizing that the state has the legitimacy and means to defend its interests.
Aoun also acknowledged the solidarity of ministries, security forces, international organizations, and partners in managing the consequences of Israeli strikes, particularly in healthcare, evacuations, rescue operations, and debris removal. Several rescue personnel were killed while carrying out their duties yesterday.
Information Minister Paul Morcos reported an inconclusive toll of 203 dead, 33 missing, and 1,072 injured. He added that international diplomatic efforts are ongoing to secure a ceasefire.
Morcos noted that the two ministers affiliated with Hezbollah opposed the government’s decision on making the capital weapons-free.
Before the session, Aoun and Salam held consultations, and Prime Minister Salam met with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to discuss next steps. The meeting began with a minute of silence for the victims of the Israeli strikes.
The government also reaffirmed that Lebanon must not be used as a battleground or bargaining chip in international negotiations, pledging to continue efforts to protect the country and its citizens.
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