Project Watan Praises Government Decision on State Monopoly of Arms, Rejects Tehran’s Position

Project Watan’s Executive Board held its weekly meeting, chaired by MP Neemat Frem, to discuss key current issues. The following statement was issued afterward:

• Project Watan described the government’s decision, in its August 5 session, to task the Lebanese Army with enforcing the State’s monopoly on arms before the end of the current year as a fundamental step. However, the real test lies in implementation and adherence to the set timeline.

Project Watan also condemned the Iranian Foreign Minister’s position in this regard, deeming it unacceptable in form, substance, and timing. His statements suggest that Hezbollah’s weapons matter more to Iran than to Lebanon – while, in reality, the interests of our nation require that all arms be exclusively in the hands of the Lebanese authorities, as an act of faith in Lebanon’s unity, and the effectiveness of its Army in defending the homeland against all enemies.

• The Executive Board considered the paper presented by U.S. envoy Tom Barrack to be an important milestone in the process of rebuilding Lebanon on solid foundations. It is a security, political, and economic document par excellence, outlining a clear roadmap with specific timelines aimed at strengthening state authority, restoring sovereignty, and consequently attracting Arab and international support for reconstruction. Only then can Lebanon be placed on the path toward stability and development.

The Board warned that disregarding this paper would not only jeopardize the security of citizens, but also threaten the very essence of the Lebanese entity.

• The Board expressed concern over the growing security threats posed by so-called “sleeper cells” and small gangs operating across various Lebanese regions, endangering the safety of citizens and society at large.

In this context, the Executive Board commended the efforts of the military and security agencies in uncovering and dismantling these cells, and praised the field operations carried out by the security forces – whether in combating crimes against citizens or in confronting the trafficking and promotion of drugs, which have become a deadly weapon hanging over the heads of Lebanese youth. Eradicating these networks has become an urgent necessity that can no longer tolerate delay or complacency