As violence escalates in Syria, particularly the fierce clashes between Bedouin tribes and Druze communities, along with the growing presence of armed extremist factions, Hezbollah continues to justify its retention of weapons outside the authority of the Lebanese state, citing so-called “regional security threats.” But these justifications are increasingly falling flat, raising serious concerns about the state’s credibility and its ability to protect national security through legitimate institutions.

A Capable State Undermined by Political Narratives

Contrary to Hezbollah’s narrative, the Lebanese Armed Forces and the Internal Security Forces have consistently demonstrated their ability to maintain security through precise and effective operations. According to well-informed security sources speaking to Kataeb.org, Lebanon’s security agencies have carried out a series of successful preemptive raids in recent months, particularly along the Syrian border, targeting arms smuggling networks and extremist cells. These operations reflect the state's capacity of defending its territory and its people without reliance on non-state actors.

Illicit Activity Monitored and Contained

The same sources confirmed that suspicious movements, including infiltration attempts and arms transfers across the border, have been actively tracked and disrupted. Security forces have seized weapons en route to illegal Lebanese militias that continue to expand their arsenals despite repeated commitments and government measures aimed at curbing arms proliferation. 

International Reports Confirm Unchecked Arms Networks

A recent Wall Street Journal investigation supports these findings, revealing that Hezbollah has been restocking and upgrading its arsenal through a complex smuggling network. The group is reportedly using covert channels to bring in advanced weaponry, including drones and sophisticated electronic equipment, entirely outside the reach of state oversight.

A Dual Narrative and Perpetual Disorder

What makes the situation even more troubling is the double standard evident in the rhetoric of those defending Hezbollah’s weapons. While some justify Hezbollah’s weapons under the guise of defending against regional threats, they simultaneously support the use of arms in Syria under the pretext of fighting terrorism. This contradiction reflects a glaring absence of a unified, national vision for building a state governed by institutions and the rule of law.

The State Must Speak Louder Than the Militias

Lebanon is at a critical juncture. It must decide whether to reaffirm the exclusive authority of its legitimate institutions as the sole guardians of national defense, or to continue allowing militias, under various banners and affiliations, to assert control over national security policy and territorial sovereignty.

Recent security successes show that the Lebanese state is not only willing but fully capable of protecting its people. However, the continued presence of weapons outside state control remains a direct threat to national stability and civil peace.

The time has come to end the excuses for illegal weapons and to reclaim full sovereignty under a state that represents and protects all Lebanese citizens equally.