Massad Boulos, the newly-appointed senior advisor to U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs, has described the recent ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel as a historic and transformative milestone for both countries.

In an interview with the French magazine Le Point, Boulos emphasized the agreement’s comprehensive scope and its potential to bring about long-term stability, also highlighting its significance in addressing longstanding challenges in Lebanon, notably the issue of armed groups operating outside state control.

A Comprehensive Nationwide Agreement

Boulos dismissed misconceptions regarding the ceasefire, noting that it does not apply solely to areas south of the Litani River.

“The agreement is highly comprehensive and addresses all necessary points,” he said. “There was some misunderstanding, especially in Lebanon, where some believed the agreement only concerned the area south of the Litani River, but that is not true. The agreement applies to the entire country and focuses on disarming all armed groups, including militias and paramilitary organizations.”

He emphasized that the accord strictly adheres to UN Security Council Resolutions 1701 and 1559. These resolutions stipulate that only state institutions are authorized to possess weapons.

Strategic Disarmament

Boulos revealed that estimates suggest that approximately 70% of strategic weapons, including missile stockpiles and drones were destroyed in the recent conflict. He explained that the remaining weaponry now falls under the purview of the Lebanese state, with the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) tasked with disarming militias and paramilitary groups.

“This will not happen overnight; it will take months or even longer. However, the ceasefire agreement, which the Lebanese cabinet has approved, grants the LAF full authority to begin implementing it,” he said.

As part of the accord, Boulos added, the LAF has been also tasked with monitoring weapons flows at critical entry points, including the Syrian border, as well as Beirut’s airport and port, which are now under the army’s control.

Ceasefire Violations and the Path Forward

Acknowledging recent violations of the ceasefire by both Lebanon and Israel, Boulos said such incidents were expected.

“We are in a 60-day testing period, and the agreement itself recognizes each party’s right to self-defense,” he explained.

One of the agreement’s most significant features, according to Boulos, is the establishment of a robust monitoring committee to oversee its implementation, with both the United States and France playing a central role in ensuring the agreement's enforcement on the ground.

“When Resolution 1701 was adopted in 2006, there was no mechanism to ensure its implementation, which led to its failure. This oversight has been addressed in the new agreement,” he remarked.

Presidential Elections: A Call for Deliberation

When asked about Lebanon’s ongoing presidential vacuum, Boulos advised against rushing to elect a president by January 9, 2025.

“By then, the presidency will have been vacant for two years and two months. In my opinion, the Lebanese can afford to wait another two or three months to do things properly within the framework of a comprehensive agreement,” he said. "There is no need to rush into electing just anyone. It is crucial to ensure the participation of an absolute majority of the people's representatives, rather than settling for electing a president with only 65 votes."

When asked what he meant by a comprehensive agreement, Boulos clarified that it should encompass all necessary reforms to rebuild Lebanon and its institutions. These reforms, he argued, must address judicial independence, security sector reorganization, adherence to democratic principles, and constitutional integrity. He also stressed the importance of fully implementing the ceasefire agreement as part of this vision.

“All these elements are interconnected,” he said. “Additionally, there must be a clear roadmap for government formation, including clarity on the prime minister’s role, party representation, and the government’s restructuring program, particularly in the economic and financial sectors.”

He further highlighted the need for the opposition, which now constitutes nearly half of Lebanon’s parliament, to be adequately represented.