In a show of cross-sectarian unity, Beirut MPs on Wednesday called for the capital to be placed fully under state control and declared a “weapons-free city” under the exclusive authority of the Lebanese Armed Forces and security agencies.
“Beirut must be free of weapons, and we want to see the Lebanese army deployed in all the streets of Beirut," MP Fouad Makhzoumi said, urging the army’s deployment across all neighborhoods with checkpoints, oversight, and a visible state presence.
Lawmakers also pressed for the immediate implementation of earlier cabinet decisions, including banning Hezbollah’s military and security activities and advancing a plan to disarm the group north of the Litani River.
The gathering came days after deadly Israeli strikes on the capital in which hundreds were killed and wounded and a government order to restrict arms to state forces.
Former deputy prime minister Ghassan Hasbani said, “Beirut brings us together despite our political differences,” backing President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in asserting state authority.
He warned the capital “must not be turned into a platform for any military or security activity outside legitimate forces,” calling for swift enforcement, confiscation of illegal arms, and protection for residents.
Other MPs underscored the urgency of the moment.
Faisal Sayegh described the current phase as “decisive,” stressing the need to uphold sovereignty and the Taif Agreement. Adnan Traboulsi called for an immediate ceasefire and full security deployment to stabilize the capital and reassure residents, while Nadim Gemayel said Lebanon “is no longer a bargaining chip” for regional powers, urging stronger state action starting in Beirut.
Taken together, the conference marked one of the clearest political endorsements yet of the government’s effort to impose exclusive authority over the capital.
The message from Beirut’s representatives was unequivocal: parallel armed authority is no longer acceptable, and the government is now expected to translate its decisions into concrete action on the ground.
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