Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has pledged to reclaim the state's authority over war and peace decisions, implement sweeping reforms, and restore Lebanon's sovereignty amid ongoing Israeli occupation of sites in southern Lebanon.

"The continued Israeli occupation of five sites in southern Lebanon constitutes an assault on our sovereignty and a violation of Resolution 1701, which we are fully committed to implementing," Salam said during an Iftar banquet at the Grand Serail.

Salam underscored his government's commitment to reclaiming state authority and pursuing reforms aimed at rebuilding the country.

"Our primary goal is for the state to reclaim its authority over decisions of war and peace, and to pursue reforms that will enable the rebuilding of the state — a necessary step to restore citizens' trust, achieve financial recovery, and drive economic growth."

Salam outlined the reform plan's main pillars, emphasizing the need to establish an independent judiciary, asserting that "no economy can thrive without a fair and impartial judiciary," and that protecting it from political interference ensures greater protection of rights and freedoms. He highlighted the importance of finding a fair solution to the depositors' crisis, describing it as "a moral, legal, and financial obligation." Restructuring the banking sector was also deemed crucial, as "our economy cannot recover without a sound and robust banking sector." Salam further stressed the necessity of transitioning towards a state that upholds equal citizenship, built on values of equality, freedom, and social justice, moving away from "sectarianism, patronage, and nepotism." Moreover, he underscored the need to resume negotiations with the IMF on a new program that "prioritizes Lebanon's national interest while unlocking support from our Arab and international partners."

"The reform agenda began immediately after the government gained the Parliament's confidence. We all know that reforms are the essential path to restoring citizens' trust in the state, achieving financial recovery, and driving economic growth. They are a national necessity before being an international demand," he said.

Salam reaffirmed that no project takes precedence over the state's reform process or its sovereignty.

"No project is more urgent than reclaiming the state's exclusive authority over weapons and extending its sovereignty over the entirety of Lebanese territory with its own forces, as stipulated by the Taif Agreement."

He accused Israel of undermining Lebanese sovereignty, stating: "Israel's continued occupation of parts of southern Lebanon is a direct infringement on our nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as a blatant violation of Resolution 1701 and the ceasefire arrangements adopted last November."

The prime minister acknowledged the country's economic hardships, attributing the crisis to years of institutional collapse, corruption, and external shocks, such as the Beirut port explosion and the recent Israeli war.

"After years of economic turmoil, I now feel a renewed sense of optimism," he said. "Since assuming office, I have met with dozens of Lebanese businesspeople and Arab and international investors. From all of them, I heard one consistent message: readiness to invest and engage in the economy the moment we implement the necessary reforms."

Salam argued that Lebanon's economic recovery is linked to improving the business environment, creating job opportunities, and restoring trust in public institutions.

"Yes, we must restore trust in both our public and private institutions. And that brings us back to the importance of reforms," he said.

He also stressed the need for meritocracy in public sector appointments and greater social justice.

"True prosperity cannot be achieved without social justice. We will focus on strengthening social safety nets and reducing income disparities as well as regional inequalities," he added.

While acknowledging the ambitious nature of his plan, Salam remained optimistic.

"Yes, this plan is ambitious — and I don't expect it to materialize overnight. But every long journey begins with a single step. That's why I've instructed all ministers to draft detailed action plans with clear timelines for the objectives they aim to achieve over the next six months."

On Lebanon's foreign policy, Salam emphasized the need to rebuild ties with Arab nations.

"Our government will not allow Lebanon to be used as a platform to attack Arab or friendly countries, nor as a battleground for regional or international conflicts at the expense of our people's safety and sovereignty," he stated.

He concluded on a hopeful note, pledging to rebuild Lebanon and restore its historic role in the Arab world.

"Lebanon, our beloved country — the land of knowledge, culture, and freedoms, with Beirut as the Mother of Laws and the Pearl of the Mediterranean and the Arab world — deserves our utmost dedication to its revival and prosperity, reclaiming its place as a beacon among nations. We politicians come and go, but Lebanon endures."