Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared on Monday in a joint press conference with the Lebanese Interior Minister that the government will move forward with enforcing full state control over Beirut, stressing that there will be “no retreat” from the decision to restrict weapons to state institutions.
Speaking after a meeting of the Central Internal Security Council at the Interior Ministry, Salam framed the government’s position as a decisive shift, following security tensions in Beirut’s southern suburbs a day earlier.
“The decision to extend the state’s authority over all of Beirut will be implemented in full,” he said, adding that the process of limiting arms to the state “is irreversible,” even if it requires time.
Firm stance after security escalation
Salam’s remarks come after tensions erupted in Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, when Lebanese Army units deployed to the Al-Kafaat area following gunfire during a funeral procession.
He described the incidents as “unacceptable” and warned of their serious consequences, confirming that authorities have already begun arrests and will continue to pursue those involved in the shooting, including the use of heavy weapons such as rocket-propelled grenades.
“We will continue to detain anyone who opened fire,” Salam affirmed, noting that the events had direct repercussions on Beirut’s airport security.
Security measures intensify in the capital
The Prime Minister emphasized that security forces will increase their presence across the capital, including the deployment of both mobile and fixed checkpoints at key entry points and inside the city.
Authorities will also tighten controls on the movement of weapons and vehicles with falsified license plates as part of broader efforts to restore order.
The Lebanese Army confirmed that it carried out immediate security measures in the affected area, including raids, patrols, and the establishment of temporary checkpoints. At least one suspect has been arrested, with weapons and ammunition seized.
A broader political trajectory
Salam underlined that the government’s approach is part of a wider political shift initiated following recent cabinet decisions, including the August 5 resolution, which he said has placed Lebanon on a “new path.”
“There will be no reversal of these decisions,” he stated, adding that implementation will take weeks or months but remains firmly underway.
He reiterated that the objective is to reestablish the state’s exclusive authority over security matters, particularly in Beirut.
Message amid internal tensions
Sunday’s incidents highlighted ongoing friction between state forces and armed actors after reports that Hezbollah supporters formed a human barrier to prevent army units from arresting individuals involved in the gunfire.
The developments have reinforced concerns over the state’s ability to assert control in areas traditionally outside its full authority.
State authority as a red line
Interior Minister Ahmad al-Hajjar echoed the prime minister's position, warning that security forces will not tolerate any actions that undermine public safety, particularly incidents involving gunfire and heavy weapons in civilian areas.
He confirmed that the state is committed to enforcing its authority in Beirut and called on citizens to refrain from illegal activities, including celebratory or political gunfire.
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