Lebanon presents a roadmap for dismantling 'Hezbollah' and deploying the army in the south

US Air Force Returns to Beirut After 40-Year Absence... Salam Plants the Flag in Western Zour in a "National Moment"

Beirut – "Al-Siyasa" – From Omar Al-Bardan

"It can be said that this is a historic visit in every sense of the word." This is how Lebanese presidential sources described the results of the talks held by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun with his US counterpart, Donald Trump, at the White House. The warm welcome extended by the US president to his Lebanese guest was clearly evident, reflecting, in the view of these sources, growing US interest in the Lebanese file, which dominated the discussions between Presidents Trump and Aoun. In exclusive statements to "Al-Siyasa," the sources confirmed that President Aoun informed the Lebanese delegation that he left feeling relieved and reassured that President Trump would work to give a strong impetus to moving forward with the implementation of the Framework Agreement, thereby achieving Lebanese demands, foremost among which is a final ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from occupied Lebanese territories. The sources stressed that the US president had informed the Lebanese president that his country remains committed to playing its role as a guarantor of the Framework Agreement, helping to complete it within an acceptable timeframe, as it is considered the best option to end the state of war between Lebanon and the Israeli occupation state.

The sources pointed out that it can be said that President Aoun obtained a US commitment to assist Lebanon in implementing its demands, following the historic decision taken by the Lebanese government to hold direct talks with the Israeli occupation. Similarly, it was clear from the words President Aoun heard from President Trump that the Framework Agreement is steadily progressing toward implementation, and that Washington has pledged to complete its application to the end, including a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territories, to ensure the success of the agreement that guarantees the end of the state of war. "Al-Siyasa" was also informed that President Trump expressed his satisfaction with what he heard from President Aoun regarding the roadmap prepared by Lebanon concerning the state monopoly on weapons and the extension of state authority over its entire territory. President Aoun assured the US president that the Lebanese Army is fully prepared to deploy in areas south of the Litani River and to perform its military role to the fullest extent, within the framework of preventing illegal armed manifestations, in implementation of Resolution 1701. President Trump promised to study the needs of the Lebanese Army that would enable it to carry out its duties as required, both in the south and in all Lebanese regions.

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The sources further revealed that President Aoun presented President Trump with a comprehensive implementation plan aimed at restricting weapons to the Lebanese state and ending the independent military status of Hezbollah, within an integrated framework for implementing Lebanese-Israeli understandings and restoring state authority over its entire territory. The document presented by Aoun was described as the executive roadmap for the Lebanese-Israeli Framework Agreement signed on June 26 last year. It outlines the security and military steps required from both the Lebanese and Israeli sides, alongside the expected role of the United States in supporting implementation. The plan stipulates that all military weapons in Lebanon be placed under the exclusive control of the state, including ending any independent military presence outside official institutions, foremost among which is the military structure of Hezbollah. This is based on the premise that the state’s monopoly on weapons constitutes the foundation for restoring full sovereignty and achieving stability in the south.

The document proposes that the Lebanese Army begin a gradual deployment in several model villages in southern Lebanon, coinciding with the repositioning or gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from those areas. Under the plan, the military establishment would be tasked with ensuring that these areas are free of Hezbollah fighters, its military infrastructure, and weapons stockpiles. Security and military responsibilities would gradually shift exclusively to the Lebanese Army, thereby preventing the resurgence of any armed manifestations outside state authority. The plan also calls for the dismantling of all non-state armed groups, with particular emphasis on ending Hezbollah’s military structure, considered a fundamental step toward implementing the Framework Agreement and stabilizing the southern border. Regarding relations with Washington, the document includes a detailed outline of the Lebanese Army’s needs for funding, equipment, logistical support, and military assistance, aimed at developing its capabilities and enabling it to assume its security responsibilities independently. President Aoun urged the US administration to contribute to building a more capable and autonomous Lebanese army, one empowered to enforce state authority across all Lebanese territories and protect the borders without the need for any parallel armed forces.

From Washington, following his meeting with President Trump, the Lebanese President affirmed that Lebanon cannot be secure or united unless it is a single state with one army that protects all Lebanese citizens without discrimination. He stressed that the Lebanese model deserves protection not only for Lebanon’s sake but for the sake of the region, adding that Hezbollah could be disarmed if there is genuine sincerity about what is truly required: the removal of the occupation, the army’s full control, and a state-led reconstruction program. Meanwhile, in a historic decision, President Trump announced that he had issued directives following his meeting with President Aoun to allow all US airlines to operate direct flights to Lebanon, a move aimed at facilitating access for US citizens after a forced absence of US air services from Lebanon for nearly four decades.

For his part, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam affirmed that Beirut would continue mobilizing all efforts to secure a complete Israeli withdrawal from the south in accordance with the Framework Agreement. After planting the Lebanese flag in the square of western Zouitar village, accompanied by the army the previous morning, Salam stated, “Alongside the completion of the army’s deployment, we will continue opening roads, clearing rubble, and securing basic services, enabling our people to return safely and with dignity to their homes and villages.” He described the Israeli occupation forces’ withdrawal from western Zouitar as “a national moment carrying significant political and moral dimensions” and the beginning of a full withdrawal from all Lebanese territories. He emphasized his government’s resolve, steadfastness, and commitment to mobilizing all political and diplomatic efforts to ensure a complete withdrawal and affirm Lebanon’s sovereignty, noting that the return of normalcy to the south is a national goal to which the state is committed, and the truest expression of Lebanon’s unity and sovereignty.