Lebanon’s Cabinet is set to convene on Monday to review a monthly report from Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal on the national weapons containment plan, as the country prepares for an international conference in Paris aimed at supporting the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) on March 5.

The government session, scheduled for 3:30 p.m. at Baabda Palace, comes at a critical moment for Lebanon, as authorities face key decisions on arms control, state sovereignty, and regional security dynamics. Gen. Haykal is expected to present an updated assessment of weapons control across the country, including in the region north of the Litani River, while leaving timelines flexible to allow the army to adapt to field conditions. Senior military sources emphasized that the plan will respect national consensus and aim to avoid confrontation with Hezbollah.

A senior military official told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath that “the army will present its nationwide weapons containment plan, including northern Litani, without fixed timelines, as the political decision ultimately governs implementation." Officials stressed the importance of enforcing the government’s August 5, 2025 decision mandating weapons containment throughout Lebanon.

Finance Minister Yassin Jaber described the army’s progress in southern Litani as “a major accomplishment,” noting praise from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) as confirmation of its effectiveness.

“The army has imposed security over a large area by confiscating all weapons in southern Litani and continues to deploy in northern Litani, establishing checkpoints and securing the region,” he told Al Arabiya/Al Hadath.

Jaber emphasized the need to provide the army with sufficient resources and time to extend security nationwide and said international support from the upcoming Paris conference would be critical.

Paris Conference and Regional Context

The Cabinet session comes ahead of the international Army Support Conference in Paris, which will be attended by representatives from France, the United States, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, and other international partners. The conference is expected to provide both financial and military assistance to the LAF, complementing the army’s operational needs and reinforcing its role in maintaining Lebanese sovereignty. A preparatory meeting is scheduled in Doha this weekend to coordinate positions and ensure effective support.

Monday’s session also takes place amid heightened attention to U.S.-Israeli relations and potential impacts on broader regional negotiations with Iran. Lebanon faces a pivotal moment where internal political demands and external pressures converge on the central issue of arms control. Local reports indicate that Hezbollah-affiliated ministers are unlikely to obstruct the session, as the army’s plan does not include rigid timelines, giving military leadership flexibility based on operational realities.

“The coming week is expected to see measures with a positive impact on Lebanon’s stability,” political observers said, noting that these developments align with President Joseph Aoun’s recent remarks to youth delegations, expressing cautious optimism ahead of parliamentary elections.

Cabinet Agenda

Monday’s Cabinet agenda includes 30 items, with the most prominent being:

• Presentation of the army’s monthly report on nationwide weapons containment, including northern Litani, in line with Cabinet Decision No. 1 (August 5, 2025) and related resolutions.

• Ministry of Finance proposals to adjust public sector salaries, following demands from unions and associations.

• Approval of a draft decree providing monthly financial grants to active and retired military personnel receiving pensions.

• Appointments of diplomats, non-resident ambassadors, and board members for water and electricity authorities.

• Consideration of international agreements, donations, and draft legislation submitted by parliament.