Mikati: Disarming Hezbollah Needs National Consensus

On Thursday, Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati referred to the ceasefire agreement with Israel as a practical step towards implementing U.N. Resolution 1701. He emphasized that the country’s main priority is to achieve long-term stability and elect a new president.

Mikati acknowledged that resolving the issue of Hezbollah’s weapons “requires national consensus,” and reiterated the goal of establishing the state as the sole authority, with the Lebanese Army assuming real control on the ground. He also stressed the importance of safeguarding the army’s role.

The ceasefire agreement, which was reached on November 27, reiterates that Resolution 1701 calls for the complete implementation of previous U.N. Security Council resolutions, including the disarmament of all armed groups in Lebanon. It specifies that the Lebanese Armed Forces will begin dismantling unauthorized arms production facilities, military positions, and infrastructure, starting with the Southern Litani Area, and will confiscate any unauthorized weapons.