Justice Minister Adel Nassar reiterated the government’s firm stance that all weapons must fall under the exclusive authority of the State, asserting that no functioning state can exist without a monopoly on the use of force.

Speaking in a televised interview with MTV, Nassar said the government’s ministerial declaration leaves no room for doubt: arms must be in the hands of Lebanon’s legitimate security institutions alone.

“Non-state weapons have exposed Lebanon to significant risks,” Nassar said. “The demand to build a strong State is a consensus among Lebanese. All parties must openly commit to state-building. I don’t believe any political group truly thinks that the absence of a functioning State will serve its interests.”

He noted that there is broad consensus within the cabinet on the need to bring all weapons under State control.

“The Lebanese government has taken a clear stance on this matter,” he said, adding that the ministers are united in opposing the existence of any parallel armed force alongside the country’s official military institutions.

“There’s a genuine push to implement the government’s decisions. Ignoring this path would expose Lebanon to severe dangers.”

Nassar dismissed claims of any friction within the government over the weapons issue.

“We oppose all Israeli violations of our sovereignty, but at the same time, we firmly support the exclusive right of the State to control arms.”

He recalled a recent cabinet meeting during which he directly questioned whether the government was committed to limiting all weapons to State institutions.

“All ministers answered yes,” he said. “We are on the right track. We don’t want to confront anyone. We are operating within the framework of the rule of law.”

Nassar also emphasized that both President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam are committed to setting a clear timetable for disarmament.

“The disarmament effort is being taken seriously. Tangible progress is underway, and the Council of Ministers is closely monitoring it,” he said, adding that the Lebanese Army has already begun implementing international resolutions tied to this effort.

“A functioning State requires three pillars: a defined territory, a population to govern, and a force capable of enforcing laws and maintaining order,” Nassar said. “Without exclusive control over weapons within the bounds of the law, there can be no viable state.”

He stressed that no one wishes to endanger the residents of southern Lebanon or any Lebanese citizen.

“The correct path forward lies with the Lebanese Army, the government, and the presidency, not with a parallel force that could inflict a heavy toll on the country.”

Shifting to judicial affairs, Nassar said the Higher Judicial Council has resumed appointments, describing the early outcomes as promising.

“These appointments are taking place independently, free of political bargaining. The council is adopting competence-based criteria,” he explained, underscoring his commitment to consultation and transparency in judicial matters.

“I never act unilaterally. I consult with the relevant judicial authorities, submit names to the cabinet, and ensure that each decision is based on merit.”

He said the judicial appointments are expected to be finalized within a month.

“These appointments have begun. I hold great respect for the judges who are bearing the brunt of political fallout. Lebanon’s judiciary is suffering from years of political interference. It needs time, support, and the right framework to regain its strength. We’re working to insulate it from political pressure.”

On the 2020 Beirut Port explosion, Nassar reaffirmed the judiciary’s authority and independence in handling the case and other major files.

“We’re doing everything we can to keep political interference away from the investigation,” he said. “I commend the head of the Higher Judicial Council, the Judicial Inspection Authority, and the Prosecutor General for driving this momentum.”

He said all judicial resources have been made available to lead investigator Judge Tarek Bitar and noted that trust in the judiciary among the victims’ families is being restored after a long period of stagnation.

“I told the families that serious and confidential work is underway. The judiciary is doing its job,” Nassar said. “Delays in this case have consequences—it’s a matter with profound humanitarian weight. But now, families are confident that the process is moving forward.”

He added that Judge Bitar is actively carrying out his duties and that coordination with the public prosecutor’s office is now in place.

“The State cannot be deemed functional if this case doesn’t reach its conclusion.”

“An entire city was destroyed in the port blast. The investigation cannot be constrained by arbitrary deadlines. August 4 is not the only milestone. The judiciary must do its job and issue the indictment.”

Nassar said he is working closely with the Higher Judicial Council to rebuild public trust in the judicial system.

“No one can intimidate a judge anymore,” he said. “We need to restore faith in the judiciary—people should respect and trust it the way they do the army. But for that to happen, judges must have the immunity necessary to perform their duties effectively.”

“Let’s not forget: judges are working under extremely difficult conditions. Soon, the public will begin to see the results of a Judicial Inspection Authority that is finally fulfilling its role.”