Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the State must restore its exclusive monopoly over arms in Lebanon, stressing that Hezbollah must ultimately transition into a normal, unarmed political party.

In an interview with Paris Match, Salam said the government is committed to implementing the provisions of the 1989 Taif Accord, which ended Lebanon’s civil war and called for the disarmament of all militias.

“The goal is clear: to restore the State’s exclusive monopoly over armed force, as stipulated in the Taif Accord,” he said. “In other words, Hezbollah, like any other group, must eventually revert to being a normal political party, without an armed wing.”

Salam explained that the disarmament process south of the Litani River will unfold in phases.

“During the first three months, the goal is to contain the weapons. Any movement or use of arms will be prohibited south of the river,” he said. “The second phase will extend this effort northward toward Sidon."

Asked whether peace with Israel remains possible amid continued airstrikes in southern Lebanon, Salam said that Lebanon has previously held negotiations with Israel, citing the 2022 maritime border agreement.

“We have to be realistic,” he said. “Lebanon has negotiated with Israel before, so this would not be unprecedented. What we are demanding now is the full implementation of last November’s ceasefire, which remains unfulfilled. The Israelis have not completely withdrawn; they still occupy several positions in southern Lebanon and continue to hold Lebanese hostages. For a ceasefire to be real, it must be enforced, not merely declared.”

Salam said President Joseph Aoun is following up on the diplomatic discussions taking place within the “Group of Five” — Egypt, Qatar, France, Saudi Arabia, and the United States — which are focused on reducing tensions and ensuring the ceasefire’s implementation.

Reflecting on the broader regional dynamics, Salam said Lebanon had initially welcomed parts of U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East peace plan, particularly those addressing humanitarian issues in Gaza and the principle of a two-state solution.

“We view it positively because it called for immediate humanitarian aid to Gaza without displacing the population, opposed the annexation of the West Bank, and recognized the principle of a two-state solution,” he said. “But as the Americans say, the proof of the pudding is in the eating.”

He warned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “sees war the way one rides a bicycle. If he stops, he falls,” suggesting that continued conflict is politically necessary for him.

Salam also voiced hope in French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to organize two international conferences by the end of 2025: one to support Lebanon’s armed forces and another for reconstruction.

“We place great hopes in these conferences,” he said. “Our army lacks equipment and resources, and its soldiers are underpaid. This must be addressed. We will also need a large-scale recruitment drive, especially since UNIFIL will eventually withdraw from Lebanon. That vacuum must be filled by a strong, well-equipped national army.”

He emphasized that French and Saudi assistance would be “crucial, not only militarily, but also economically and institutionally.”

Turning to Lebanon’s economic economic situation, Salam said the government is working simultaneously on multiple fronts. Describing the current phase as "critical," Salam noted that more than 74% of the population lives below the poverty line, the local currency has lost almost all its value, and public debt exceeds $100 billion.

“Given the state of the country, everything is a priority,” he said. “Some will tell you electricity is the priority; others say bank deposits; others still, security. In truth, everything is interconnected.”

He outlined a series of reforms underway, including a new banking law, legislation to distribute financial losses fairly, civil service reform to enhance transparency, and a newly passed law guaranteeing judicial independence.

Regulatory bodies have also been appointed across key sectors such as electricity, telecommunications, and civil aviation.

“These are tangible steps forward,” Salam said, “even if, admittedly, I wish the pace were faster.”

Before becoming prime minister, Salam served as President of the International Court of Justice, one of the world’s most prestigious legal posts. Asked why he chose to return to Lebanon’s turbulent politics, his answer was simple.

“I felt there was a genuine opportunity for change; a turning point for Lebanon,” he said. “A new atmosphere, a chance to pull the country out of crisis. I wanted to contribute to that change, modestly, but with determination. That’s why I’m here.”