Gulf Cooperation Council Backs Lebanon

TDT | Manama

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The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) welcomed Lebanon’s government decision to restrict weapon possession in Beirut exclusively to legitimate state forces, describing it as an important step toward strengthening state authority.

The Lebanese cabinet on Thursday directed security agencies to enforce a strict state monopoly on arms in the capital, Beirut, following a recent escalation of Israeli strikes across the country, including the capital itself.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said at the conclusion of a cabinet meeting that the army and internal security forces had been instructed to “immediately begin reinforcing the full imposition of state authority over Beirut Governorate and to monopolize weapons in the hands of legitimate authorities alone.”

Information Minister Paul Morcos noted that the decision faced objections from two ministers affiliated with Hezbollah during the cabinet session. The move comes after Lebanon previously announced a ban on Hezbollah’s military activities earlier in March. However, the Iran-backed group, which remains represented in both parliament and the cabinet, has continued its operations despite government directives.

On Wednesday, Israe l launched its most extensive wave of strikes since the latest phase of the conflict began on March 2, resulting in more than 200 deaths, according to reports. Lebanon’s health ministry says the overall death toll has exceeded 1,700 in just over a month.

Following the strikes, Prime Minister Salam said Lebanon would submit an “urgent complaint” to the United Nations Security Council, condemning what he called a “dangerous escalation in defiance of all regional and international efforts to stop the war in the region.”

Minister Morcos added that the government is continuing diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire, especially after statements from the United States and Israel suggesting their truce with Iran does not extend to Lebanon.