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It is now apparent that those responsible for prolonging the presidential vacancy, both in the past and in the present, are determined to dismantle the country’s state institutions, starting with the Lebanese Army. Ironically, these same individuals who vehemently opposed financial assistance to the Army from the United States and other countries receive substantial support, including funds and weapons, from the Islamic Republic of Iran without any scrutiny.
Reliable political sources indicate that these responsible parties are also actively seeking to create a void in the leadership of both the Central Bank of Lebanon and the Army. Such a vacuum would further weaken the financial, monetary, and military capacities of the state, giving rise to chaos and promoting the parallel economy, particularly entities like “Al-Qard al-Hassan” (a financial institution associated with Hezbollah) and the Hezbollah-affiliated armed group in southern Lebanon.
Furthermore, there are legitimate concerns that the ongoing blockade of the presidential election and the implementation of key political and economic reforms will persist. Additionally, Washington might withdraw its financial support to the Army. Currently, the Army receives a monthly aid of $100 per soldier and officer from the United States. And Qatar may follow suit. Moreover, the salaries received by military personnel in Lebanese pounds are insufficient and fail to keep up with the escalating cost of living and exchange rates, greatly impacting various sectors, including education and higher education. It should be acknowledged, however, that the Army command continues to provide medical care, as well as food and fuel assistance through local donations.
According to reliable sources, if the current situation of the presidential vacuum continues, it will have detrimental effects on the resources of the military institution, posing a significant threat to its unity and effectiveness. Therefore, advocates of the state, its sovereignty, and the centralization of weapons under state authority must exert both local and international pressure to bring attention to this critical reality and ensure the prompt scheduling of the presidential election. Additionally, urgent measures must be taken to form a government that can effectively navigate the country through regional tensions and tackle the pressing economic and financial challenges, ultimately leading to the stabilization of the Lebanese pound and economic recovery.
It is only through these essential actions that the state will be able to address the financial requirements of the armed forces and make modest improvements to soldiers’ salaries, thereby mitigating the risks currently looming over this vital institution. However, it is important to acknowledge that this endeavor will not be an easy task, as proponents of the vacuum persist in pursuing their agenda, which bears little resemblance to the establishment of a functioning state.
