In his inauguration speech, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun proposed the elaboration of a national security strategy that focuses on restoring and consolidating full Lebanese state sovereignty over its territory by implementing UNSC Resolution 1701 in its entirety and adhering strictly to the cease fire terms agreed on November 27, 2024. Achieving this objective requires a multi-dimensional approach combining military, political, and socio-economic measures.

1. Enforce State Monopoly on the Use of Force and Disarmament of Non-State Actors

- Disarmament of "Hezbollah," Other Militias: The Lebanese government must assert exclusive control over all weapons and armed forces, as emphasized by President Aoun's commitment to making 2025 the year of state monopoly on arms. This aligns with UNSC Resolution 1559 and 1701, which call for the disarmament of all militias and extension of government control throughout Lebanon. President Aoun has proposed a bilateral dialogue with "Hezbollah" over a vision of the future of the country where "Hezbollah" would be fully integrated into national life as a strictly political party.

- Dismantling Unauthorized Military Infrastructure: The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) have begun dismantling "Hezbollah's" unauthorized arms and infrastructure south of the Litani River, a critical step toward establishing a weapons-free zone between the Litani River and the Blue Line, as mandated by Resolution 1701.

- Prevent Armed Operations Against Israel: Under the cease fire, the Lebanese government must prevent "Hezbollah" or any other group from conducting attacks against Israel, thus reducing provocations that undermine sovereignty and peace efforts.

2. Strengthen and Deploy the LAF

- Expand LAF Presence South of Litani: The LAF deployment south of the Litani River must be completed and maintained to fill the security vacuum and enforce the cease fire terms, replacing non-state armed groups in this sensitive border zone.

- Enhance LAF Capabilities: Increase recruitment, training, and armament of the LAF to enable effective control over all Lebanese territory and borders, supported by continued international military assistance, particularly from the United States. The LAF have been recruiting and training new soldiers to beef up their ranks and carry out their mandate.

- Coordinate with UNIFIL: Work closely with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon to monitor and enforce the demilitarized zones and prevent violations by any party. The government has already expressed its desire to renew UNIFIL's mandate and are on the verge of lodging a formal demand in that regard.

3. Address Israeli Violations and Secure Borders

- Diplomatic Pressure on Israel: Lebanon must continue diplomatic efforts to end Israeli military presence north of the Blue Line, which violates Lebanese sovereignty and Resolution 1701, undermining peace and security.

- Border Security and Surveillance: Strengthen border security infrastructure and intelligence to prevent incursions, smuggling, and unauthorized armed activities, thereby stabilizing border areas and reducing triggers for conflict.

4. Pursue Inclusive National Dialogue and Political Consensus

- Engage "Hezbollah," Other Political Actors: "Hezbollah" insists on a national dialogue committee to define a comprehensive defense strategy clarifying its role within the state framework. The government should facilitate this dialogue to build consensus on security arrangements and disarmament while maintaining state sovereignty

- Clarify Defense Roles: The dialogue should result in a clear, unified national defense strategy that integrates all factions under state authority, ending the current duality of armed power.

5. Integrate Socio-Economic and Institutional Reforms into Security Strategy

- Holistic National Security Approach: As President Aoun highlighted, national security must go beyond military aspects to include economic growth, food and health security, financial reforms, and strengthening state institutions to stabilize Lebanon internally and reduce vulnerabilities exploited by armed groups.

- Manage Refugee, Humanitarian Crises: Address the Syrian and Palestinian refugee situations through coordinated humanitarian and stabilization plans, such as the Lebanon Response Plan 2025, to reduce social tensions and security risks.

6. Ensure International Support and Compliance

- Leverage International Assistance: Continue to secure and coordinate international support for LAF capacity building, humanitarian aid, and economic recovery, ensuring that aid reinforces state sovereignty and the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the cease fire.

- Monitor Implementation and Report to UNSC: Maintain transparent reporting on the progress of disarmament, LAF deployment, and cease fire adherence to the UN Security Council to sustain international legitimacy and pressure on all parties to comply.

Summary Table of the National Security Strategy

Pillar Key Measures

State Monopoly on Force Disarm "Hezbollah" and militias; dismantle unauthorized arms south of Litani; prevent attacks on Israel

Strengthen LAF Complete deployment south of Litani; enhance training and equipment; coordinate with UNIFIL

Border Security Diplomatic pressure on Israel; strengthen border surveillance and control

National Dialogue Inclusive talks on defense roles; unify armed forces under state authority

Socio-Economic Integration Implement reforms in economy, health, food security; manage refugee crises

International Cooperation Secure military and humanitarian aid; report progress to UNSC