Egypt is making a loud diplomatic push to secure immediate international funding for the Lebanese military. This urgent call comes as Beirut’s forces successfully wrap up the initial phase of disarming Hezbollah.
Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty confirmed the progress during a high stakes preparatory meeting in Cairo on Tuesday. The gathering set the stage for a major donor conference scheduled for next month in Paris.
A Critical Turning Point for Beirut
The security landscape in Lebanon is undergoing a historic shift. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are finally moving to assert full state control over weapons in the country. This follows a government commitment made last year to dismantle the military capabilities of Hezbollah.
Abdelatty praised the Lebanese military for its efficiency. He noted that the army has already completed the first phase of the disarmament plan. This is a massive feat considering the army’s limited resources and the country’s crushing economic crisis.
“This achievement reflects the efficiency of the military institution and requires intensifying international support to complete the remaining phases of the plan,” Abdelatty stated.
The Cairo meeting focused on rallying key allies before the Paris summit. The goal is simple. They need to ensure the Lebanese army has the cash and equipment to finish the job. Without this help, the next phases of securing the country could stall.
Why Egypt Is Leading the Charge
Cairo has long played a pivotal role in regional stability. Egypt views a strong Lebanese national army as the only buffer against future chaos.
- Regional Stability: A secure Lebanon prevents conflict spillover.
- State Sovereignty: Only the state should hold weapons.
- Border Security: Controlling the southern border is vital for peace.
The Egyptian Foreign Minister emphasized that the world cannot just watch. The international community must step up now. The Lebanese troops are doing the heavy lifting on the ground. They need the world to back them up with logistics and funding.
Dismantling the Shadow Infrastructure
The actual work on the ground has been gritty and dangerous. The Lebanese military has spent recent months combing through former Hezbollah strongholds. Their mission is to find and neutralize a vast network of military assets.
Reports indicate that the army is systematically taking apart tunnels and bunkers. These facilities were once the backbone of Hezbollah’s power. Now they are being sealed or destroyed.
The military is also confiscating heavy weapons. This transfer of firepower from a militia to the state army marks a new chapter for the nation.
| Disarmament Focus | Action Taken |
|---|---|
| Underground Tunnels | Mapping, clearing, and sealing networks. |
| Heavy Weaponry | Confiscating rockets and artillery systems. |
| Command Centers | Dismantling communication hubs and bunkers. |
The army is operating with strict discipline. They are following the government’s mandate to the letter. However, the physical scale of this task is immense. Hezbollah had decades to build this infrastructure. Taking it down requires heavy machinery and specialized engineering teams that the LAF currently lacks.
An Army in Need of a Lifeline
The Lebanese army is capable but cash strapped. The country has faced a brutal economic collapse since 2019. This has decimated the value of soldier salaries.
Many troops have struggled to feed their families. Yet they continue to show up for duty. The government in Beirut has promised support but lacks the funds to deliver it.
The shortages are not just financial. The army needs basic gear to continue the disarmament mission effectively. They require fuel for their vehicles. They need modern communication equipment. They also need protective gear for the soldiers clearing volatile sites.
This is why the upcoming Paris conference is so vital. It is not just a diplomatic photo op. It is a survival summit for the Lebanese state. The funds raised there will directly impact how quickly the army can secure the rest of the country.
Looking Ahead to Paris
The urgency in Cairo is palpable. Officials know that the window of opportunity is small. The momentum gained from the first phase of disarmament must be maintained.
France is expected to host the major donor conference next month. The event aims to turn political promises into hard cash and logistical support.
Key goals for the Paris Conference:
- Secure salary support for Lebanese soldiers.
- Provide vehicles and fuel for border patrols.
- Fund technical teams for tunnel dismantling.
- Establish long term training partnerships.
Egypt wants to ensure that the attendees arrive ready to write checks. Diplomatic support is good, but the LAF needs resources. The Cairo meeting served as a final coordination effort to align priorities before the delegations head to France.
Success in Paris means a stronger Lebanon. Failure could see the disarmament process slow down. That is a risk no one in the region wants to take.
The international community has demanded the disarmament of non state actors for years. Now that it is happening, Egypt says it is time to pay the bill.
