Aoun Resolves the Weapons File: His Mission is Over and His Presence Burdens Lebanon

SadaNews - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed today, Sunday, that the mission of weapons in the country has ended, and their presence in the hands of armed groups has become a burden on all of Lebanon.

Aoun explained that the army is carrying out its duties within the available capabilities, indicating that there is "some cooperation" in the southern region.

He also added, "We will continue to implement the decision to restrict weapons to all armed groups, and we must not forget the Palestinians in the south."

The Lebanese president noted that weapons have been withdrawn from several camps, and things are being monitored, pointing out that "this process does not end overnight."

Aoun clarified that the Lebanese army is not only tasked with the mission of withdrawing weapons, but is spread across all Lebanese territory, carrying out security maintenance operations, border control, fighting terrorism, and combating drug trafficking, adding, "Hence, a great burden falls on it, while the available resources are limited."

He also affirmed that this weapon's mission has ended and no longer has a deterrent role, saying, "Let us be rational and realistic, and correctly assess the regional and international circumstances around us," indicating that the issue is not related to the application of Resolution 1701.

It is worth noting that the ceasefire agreement that came into effect in November 2024 stipulated the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, Hezbollah's withdrawal to the north of the Litani River, and the disarmament of Hezbollah throughout Lebanon, along with the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the positions it had advanced to during the last war.