Lebanon looks to EU support for state control of weapons, end to Israeli occupation

Lebanon said Thursday it is counting on EU support for its decision to place all weapons under state control and efforts to end Israel’s occupation of Lebanese territory. “Lebanon has taken a clear sovereign decision to place weapons and the use of force exclusively in the hands of the state throughout its territory,” Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji said during a joint news conference with EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas in Beirut. He described the move as essential to restoring sovereignty, consolidating stability and rebuilding strong and capable state institutions. “We count on the European Union continuing to stand by Lebanon and its legitimate institutions to achieve this national objective,” he said. “We also count on its support to end the continuing Israeli occupation of Lebanese territory and ensure the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.” Rajji also welcomed European support for Lebanon’s state institutions, including the Lebanese army and Internal Security Forces. “We want Europe to be an essential partner in this new phase, not only in helping Lebanon manage its crises, but also in overcoming them,” he added. The Lebanese government decided in August to bring all weapons under state control, including those held by Hezbollah. The group rejected the move, demanding that Israeli forces first withdraw from areas they occupy in southern Lebanon. UN Security Council Resolution 1701 was adopted in August 2006 following a 33-day war between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has continued attacks on Lebanon since March 2, killing 4,386 people and injuring 12,413, according to the latest Lebanese Health Ministry figures dated Sept. 25, 2025. On June 26, Beirut and Tel Aviv signed a US-sponsored framework agreement in Washington providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and the deployment of the Lebanese army in areas vacated by Israeli forces. Despite the agreement, Israel has continued attacks on southern Lebanon and remains in control of areas of Lebanese territory, some occupied for decades and others seized during more recent wars and military operations.