Geagea: Lebanon must disarm militias and restore government authority

The leader of the Lebanese Forces (LF), Samir Geagea, called on Saturday for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, the swift election of a President of the Republic, and the full implementation of United Nations resolutions concerning Lebanon, particularly Resolution 1701.

Geagea's remarks came after a meeting of the Lebanese Forces in Meerab, aimed at formulating a "rescue plan" for the country.

"It is essential to establish a work plan in response to the situation the Lebanese people are experiencing... Our first priority must be a ceasefire," stated Geagea, likening Lebanon's current state to a "sinking ship." He emphasized the need to restore the sovereignty of the state after it has been undermined by the dominance of armed groups (Hezbollah) and foreign powers (Iran), which have taken control of key decisions regarding war and used Lebanese citizens as human shields.

Geagea also stressed the importance of electing a president who respects the Constitution and is committed to implementing UN Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701, as well as the Taif Agreement. He further called for strategic decisions to be placed solely in the hands of the state. Additionally, he demanded that the army be granted full authority and that the possession of weapons outside the state's control be prohibited, indirectly referring to Hezbollah's military arsenal.

UN Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah, mandates the withdrawal of Hezbollah from areas south of the Litani River. Resolution 1559 (2004) calls for the disarmament of both Lebanese and non-Lebanese militias. Adopted in 2006, Resolution 1680 concerns the demarcation of the land border between Lebanon and Syria.

Geagea's comments reflect growing concerns over Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon and the urgent need for reforms to restore state authority and ensure the country's stability. The meeting in Meerab sought to address these challenges by outlining a plan for Lebanon’s political and economic recovery.

The Christian party has been warning for years about the armed threat posed by Hezbollah and its capacity to destabilize Lebanon. The Lebanese Forces regularly denounce the growing influence of Iran on the country.