President Joseph Aoun on Thursday expressed his full support for the Lebanese Army’s recent statement on consolidating State control over weapons south of the Litani River, describing the initiative as “a crucial step in restoring sovereignty and security across the country.”

In a statement read by the presidential spokesperson, Aoun said the deployment of troops south of the Litani is part of “a comprehensive national decision grounded in the constitution, State policy, and relevant international obligations.” He stressed that the operation aims to “ensure the State maintains exclusive control over weapons, uphold the principle that decisions over war and peace rest solely with our constitutional institutions, and prevent Lebanese territory from being used as a base for hostile actions. Safeguarding Lebanon’s highest interests and protecting its citizens in a permanent, irreversible way.”

The president praised the army’s role in asserting State authority and regaining control over Lebanese territory “exclusively through its own capabilities,” highlighting the military’s efforts to strengthen security and stability, particularly in southern Lebanon.

Aoun noted that long-term stability also depends on resolving ongoing challenges, including the Israeli occupation of certain areas, the establishment of buffer zones, and repeated violations of Lebanese sovereignty “by land, sea, and air.” He warned that “repeated attacks on Lebanese territory constitute clear violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty and of the ceasefire agreement, while posing a direct threat to civilian safety and public stability.”

Calling for a complete Israeli withdrawal, strict adherence to the ceasefire, and the release of prisoners, Aoun said these measures are essential “to enable Lebanon to exercise its sovereignty, secure the safe return of displaced civilians, and begin an organized reconstruction of the affected southern regions.” He added that remaining field issues will be handled through existing mechanisms, including technical meetings under the ceasefire monitoring framework.

Reiterating Lebanon’s commitment to the ceasefire, the president urged the international community “to assist Lebanon in implementing the agreement, prevent the transfer of weapons or related materials to any party other than the Lebanese armed forces, and accelerate support for the army’s capabilities so it can continue its national mission, uphold the ceasefire, and prevent unilateral actions that could undermine stability.”

Concluding his statement, Aoun reaffirmed his confidence in the Lebanese armed forces, praising “the sacrifices and efforts of its leadership, officers, and personnel.” He emphasized that “the Lebanese State, through all its constitutional institutions, stands united behind the military as it carries out its national duties in defense of Lebanon’s sovereignty, security, and stability.”

He also saluted the people of southern Lebanon, commending “their steadfastness and trust in their State and army; a trust that will never be disappointed or forsaken.”