Salam Says Lebanon to Rework Weapons Control Plan, Seeks Peace Not Normalization with Israel

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Lebanon plans to review and further develop its strategy to place all weapons under State control, as the government seeks to strengthen its position in ongoing negotiations over the country’s security and sovereignty.

Speaking amid continued diplomatic efforts, Salam stressed that securing a clear timetable for an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory represents the minimum requirement for any progress in talks.

He said Lebanon also needs an international presence in the south tasked with monitoring developments, documenting violations, and reporting on the situation, alongside sustained Arab and international backing. Lebanon’s legitimate claim to its territory, he added, remains a key source of leverage in negotiations.

Salam cautioned that it is still too early to discuss the possibility of a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizing that any high-level engagement with Israel must be contingent on concrete progress at the negotiating table.

He reiterated that Lebanon is not seeking “normalization” with Israel but rather “peace,” noting that any senior-level meeting should only take place once its outcomes have been clearly agreed upon in advance.

According to Salam, the primary objective of the negotiations is to secure a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.

He also underscored the importance of reactivating the ceasefire monitoring mechanism, describing it as serving Lebanon’s interests in managing the current situation and supporting diplomatic efforts.