In this insightful analysis, Lebanese Member of Parliament Abderrahman al Bizri examines the nation’s quest for sovereignty and the emerging national security strategy centered on the concept of the “monopoly of weapons” (husriyat al-silah) as of 2026. Al Bizri highlights a pivotal moment where the resistance of groups like Hezbollah is weakening due to shifting regional dynamics, particularly the transformations in Syria.
He emphasizes the vital necessity of strengthening the Lebanese Army with international logistical support and establishing state authority as the sole legitimate power against both domestic and foreign threats. Ultimately, against the backdrop of the upcoming general elections, the author argues that Lebanon must adopt a multidimensional security doctrine—encompassing healthcare, education, and economic recovery—to reclaim its historical role within the Arab world.
Abderrahman al Bizri
The primary reasons behind the demands for disarmament are linked to the agreements signed by the Lebanese government or the understandings reached between Lebanon and the Israeli occupation via the Quintet Committee, which stipulate that the authority to possess weapons on Lebanese soil must belong exclusively to the Lebanese state (monopoly of weapons).
Furthermore, the President’s inaugural speech before Parliament, following his election by an overwhelming majority, was based on the principle of centralizing weapons in the hands of the state and extending state sovereignty over all Lebanese territories. Although this provision is explicitly included in the government program—under which the current cabinet received its vote of confidence with the participation of ministers from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement—it is observed that as of the spring of 2026, the resistance of these groups toward the monopoly of weapons has begun to weaken due to new regional power dynamics, such as the transformations in Syria.
However, today Lebanon requires not just a new defense policy, but a comprehensive national security policy. National security is a multidimensional concept; while one part involves defense and internal security, another critical component is social security, which encompasses healthcare, education, social insurance, environmental protection, state modernization, and other matters that facilitate the lives of citizens.
Regarding internal challenges, the Lebanese Army—which possesses a clear understanding of the field and available resources and enjoys the trust of all Lebanese regardless of their political views or affiliations—requires logistical support to fulfill its assigned duties. Amid the 2026 budget crises and global inflation, the continuity of international aid provided to the army is of vital importance.
The national doctrine of the Lebanese Army, the commitment of its personnel, and the public consensus surrounding it are sources of strength. In return, the army must be provided with the necessary resources, both in terms of equipment and personnel, to enable its deployment across all Lebanese territory, particularly along the critical southern border lines. In Lebanon, we prefer not to use the term “disarmament”; instead, we favor the term “monopoly of weapons” (husriyat al-silah), as it more inclusively expresses the sovereignty of the state.
The monopoly of weapons is a fundamental part of the agreements and understandings intended to halt aggression and warfare against Lebanon. Despite Lebanon’s commitment to this issue and the Lebanese Army’s submission of periodic reports to the Council of Ministers—which have been received positively by both the Cabinet and the U.S.-led Quintet Committee—Israeli aggression continues unabated as of 2026. This aggression is expanding, reaching areas north of the Litani River and hitting civilian targets, thereby threatening the fragile stability achieved.
The influence of Iran on the issue of the monopoly of weapons is linked to regional events and shifts in influence; however, we hope for a positive role from all influential regional powers. This is especially relevant given that the primary variable today is the Syrian arena, which is moving in a different direction than in previous decades. As long as Palestine remains occupied,
Syria remains our only neighbor through which our relations extend to the Arab world. We are currently rebuilding the best possible relations with the Arab system, betting on the restoration of Lebanon’s Arab role while maintaining its regional friendships.
Discussions continue regarding the upcoming parliamentary elections. Some argue that elections should not be held until the model of the monopoly of weapons is fully implemented across all territories, while others believe that Lebanon cannot afford a delay, as it would severely harm Lebanese interests and international legitimacy. Consequently, it is expected that the elections will proceed even before the full establishment of state authority.
The only factor that could delay the elections is a large-scale Israeli offensive. The decision of the Lebanese Council of Ministers is clear: Legitimacy belongs solely to the state. In the political climate of 2026, we have entered a period where any weapons remaining outside state control are deemed “ineffective” and cannot be used to overshadow the electoral process, supported by the involvement of international guarantors.