‘State monopoly on arms in Beirut:’ Government decision welcomed all the way to Tel Aviv
President Joseph Aoun said his proposal on negotiations “is beginning to be viewed positively in international political circles.” Hours later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the start of direct talks.
by Nemtala EDDÉ · L'Orient TodayIn the wake of Wednesday’s Israeli massacre in the heart of Beirut, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s government decided the next day to “extend state control” across the capital and “ensure a monopoly on arms” there.The move is meant to delegitimize any strike on the area, at a time when Israel has vowed to continue targeting Hezbollah and its infrastructure.The measure follows a decision taken at the outbreak of the war in Lebanon on March 2, which deemed Hezbollah’s military activities “illegal.” That step, however, remained largely symbolic.While the latest decision has been welcomed, key players are insisting that it be strictly enforced. Otherwise, the government risks losing even more legitimacy, at a moment when it is relying primarily on negotiations to bring the escalation to an end.At the same time, the president pointed to a...
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