On the occasion of Army Day, President of the Republic, General Joseph Aoun, visited the Ministry of Defense and delivered a powerful address that doubled as a tribute to Lebanon’s armed forces and a strategic national declaration.
“Soldiers, comrades in arms,” the President began, “nearly forty years ago, I took an oath—an oath that became my life. And nearly eight months ago, I swore before the Lebanese people an oath from which there is no turning back. Thanks to you—soldiers, wounded, and martyrs—I have honored my first oath, and I shall continue to honor the second. Your sacrifices, the purity of your blood, and the prayers and anguish of your families command my deepest gratitude.”
President Aoun stressed the sanctity of sacrifice and the duty to ensure that Lebanese martyrs do not fall twice—once on the battlefield and again through neglect or political compromise.
“Every martyr who fought and died for Lebanon—regardless of faith or birthplace—is a national asset. Their blood is the foundation of a sovereign, stable, prosperous, and modern nation that embraces all its people.”
Aoun further urged an end to senseless wars and external entanglements, calling them “futile and sustained” conflicts that serve others’ interests. “Preserving the dignity of our land, our state, and our people demands an end to destruction and self-destruction.”
Addressing the Lebanese Army, the Lebanese President proclaimed:
“Take pride, for no other state institution garners such unanimous respect. No entity has withstood corruption, crisis, and invasion like the Lebanese Army. The economy collapsed—but you stood firm. Borders were violated—but you did not yield. Enemy agents infiltrated—but found no traitors among you. The army is the truest reflection of Lebanon’s diverse and noble identity. To love the army is to love the nation.”
The President went on to credit the military for instilling in him a love of the whole nation—without sectarianism or populism—and reaffirmed his constitutional duty as Commander-in-Chief to preserve the army’s dignity, strength, and central role in defending Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The President then issued a firm call to all political forces—through the Cabinet, Supreme Defense Council, and Parliament—to seize what he described as a “historic opportunity” to affirm the exclusive possession of arms by the Lebanese Army and security forces throughout the entirety of Lebanese territory.
“This is essential to restore international confidence in Lebanon’s ability to defend its sovereignty from Israeli aggression and religious extremism alike.”
Aoun then accused Israel of having violated Lebanese sovereignty “thousands of times” since the ceasefire in November 2024, citing continued killings, land occupations, refusal to release prisoners, and obstruction of civilian return and reconstruction. He paid tribute to fallen soldiers, especially Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Farhat, who was assassinated after a heroic confrontation with Israeli forces.
The President further highlighted the Army’s efforts—under the coordination of the Quint Committee—to implement the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, despite limited resources. Over 4,500 troops are being recruited, trained, and equipped to support full deployment south of the Litani River, with the unwavering support of southern Lebanese communities.
Aoun then revealed for the first time details of ongoing negotiations with the United States—conducted in full agreement with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and in constant coordination with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. A revised proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet early next week. The key Lebanese demands include:
1. An immediate cessation of all Israeli hostilities—by land, sea, and air, including assassinations.
2. Full Israeli withdrawal behind internationally recognized borders and release of all prisoners.
3. Extension of Lebanese state authority across the entire territory, including the disarmament of all non-state actors—explicitly including Hezbollah—with weapons handed over to the army.
4. Annual international support of $1 billion for ten years to bolster the Lebanese Army and internal security forces.
5. An international donor conference this fall to fund Lebanon’s reconstruction.
6. Demarcation of Lebanon’s land and maritime borders with Syria, with U.S., French, Saudi, and UN technical assistance.
7. Resolution of the Syrian refugee crisis.
8. Combatting smuggling and drug trafficking, and supporting alternative agriculture and industries.
President Aoun stated: “This is a roadmap every honest Lebanese can adopt. It would halt Israeli aggression, compel withdrawal from all occupied territories, draw Lebanon’s borders for the first time in its history, and allow us to rebuild with confidence in the state and the military. It’s a prerequisite for economic revival and structural reform—with international and Arab backing.”
The President also called for an end to “wars—ours and others’—fought on our soil” and decried the illusions that external support or domestic militias could substitute for a strong state. “Only the army’s arms are credible in the face of aggression,” he said, “because they are backed by a legitimate state rooted in institutions and the public good.”
To Lebanese who have resisted Israeli aggression and their communities, Aoun offered a plea: “Place your trust in the state alone, or risk rendering your sacrifices in vain. Do not allow this historic chance to pass us by. We cannot afford to forfeit Arab and international support or our national consensus.”
Aoun reiterated that his push for exclusive army control over weapons stems from his desire to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and liberate occupied territories, not to marginalize any group. “You are a cornerstone of this state. Your dignity is its dignity. Your security is its security.”
Moreover, President Aoun urged political factions to approach the issue of disarmament with national responsibility. “We are at a defining moment. Provocations and one-upmanship serve no one. All our sacrifices are sacred, and national threats—be they security or economic—spare no one.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Aoun noted his efforts to swiftly form a technocratic Cabinet led by Prime Minister Salam to prevent institutional paralysis. He listed six core priorities:
1. Judicial reform: Restoring public trust in the judiciary through the appointment of an ethical Supreme Judicial Council, empowering the Judicial Inspection Authority, and issuing the long-delayed judicial appointments decree. He praised recent legal progress, including the revival of the Beirut Port blast investigation, arrests of implicated figures, and the advancement of a law to strengthen judicial independence.
2. Security and weapons control: Military and security appointments have reinforced the state’s authority across its territory, curbing smuggling, money laundering, and terrorism. He affirmed that no extremist group will be allowed to threaten Lebanon’s unity or sacred institutions.
3. Depositor rights: Though difficult, the government has submitted bills to restructure the banking sector and determine accountability for the financial collapse. Central Bank and regulatory appointments are underway to stabilize monetary policy and restore investor confidence.
4. Administrative reform: Key appointments have been made for the first time since 2002, particularly in regulatory bodies crucial to electricity, telecoms, and civil aviation reform. The state is accelerating digitization, launching a national ID number system to combat corruption and improve efficiency.
5. Elections: The government successfully conducted municipal elections with integrity and transparency. It is also pushing for parliamentary election reforms and committed to holding them on schedule, including voting rights for Lebanese expatriates.
6. Foreign policy and reintegration: Aoun highlighted renewed diplomatic ties and regional engagement, including a Saudi-led initiative to resolve border tensions with Syria. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to a constructive relationship with Damascus, built on mutual benefit.
In closing, President Aoun said:
“I’ve sacrificed political capital to spare the nation senseless wars. But the moment of truth has arrived. The region stands between collapse and prosperity. I have chosen to lead Lebanon forward—with you—toward a better future. Together, we will seize this opportunity to rescue the country and restore dignity to every Lebanese. The time has come to entrust our national army—alone—with the defense of our borders and our sovereignty.”
“Let this be our historic decision: that the Lebanese Army alone bears arms on behalf of us all. Our legitimacy flows from its legitimacy. Our dignity from its strength. The holiday will not be complete until liberation is achieved, until border demarcation is finalized, and until disarmament is implemented and reconstruction begins.”
“Glory and eternity to our righteous martyrs. Long live the Army. Long live Lebanon.”
“Soldiers, comrades in arms,” the President began, “nearly forty years ago, I took an oath—an oath that became my life. And nearly eight months ago, I swore before the Lebanese people an oath from which there is no turning back. Thanks to you—soldiers, wounded, and martyrs—I have honored my first oath, and I shall continue to honor the second. Your sacrifices, the purity of your blood, and the prayers and anguish of your families command my deepest gratitude.”
President Aoun stressed the sanctity of sacrifice and the duty to ensure that Lebanese martyrs do not fall twice—once on the battlefield and again through neglect or political compromise.
“Every martyr who fought and died for Lebanon—regardless of faith or birthplace—is a national asset. Their blood is the foundation of a sovereign, stable, prosperous, and modern nation that embraces all its people.”
Aoun further urged an end to senseless wars and external entanglements, calling them “futile and sustained” conflicts that serve others’ interests. “Preserving the dignity of our land, our state, and our people demands an end to destruction and self-destruction.”
Addressing the Lebanese Army, the Lebanese President proclaimed:
“Take pride, for no other state institution garners such unanimous respect. No entity has withstood corruption, crisis, and invasion like the Lebanese Army. The economy collapsed—but you stood firm. Borders were violated—but you did not yield. Enemy agents infiltrated—but found no traitors among you. The army is the truest reflection of Lebanon’s diverse and noble identity. To love the army is to love the nation.”
The President went on to credit the military for instilling in him a love of the whole nation—without sectarianism or populism—and reaffirmed his constitutional duty as Commander-in-Chief to preserve the army’s dignity, strength, and central role in defending Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The President then issued a firm call to all political forces—through the Cabinet, Supreme Defense Council, and Parliament—to seize what he described as a “historic opportunity” to affirm the exclusive possession of arms by the Lebanese Army and security forces throughout the entirety of Lebanese territory.
“This is essential to restore international confidence in Lebanon’s ability to defend its sovereignty from Israeli aggression and religious extremism alike.”
Aoun then accused Israel of having violated Lebanese sovereignty “thousands of times” since the ceasefire in November 2024, citing continued killings, land occupations, refusal to release prisoners, and obstruction of civilian return and reconstruction. He paid tribute to fallen soldiers, especially Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Farhat, who was assassinated after a heroic confrontation with Israeli forces.
The President further highlighted the Army’s efforts—under the coordination of the Quint Committee—to implement the ceasefire in southern Lebanon, despite limited resources. Over 4,500 troops are being recruited, trained, and equipped to support full deployment south of the Litani River, with the unwavering support of southern Lebanese communities.
Aoun then revealed for the first time details of ongoing negotiations with the United States—conducted in full agreement with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and in constant coordination with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. A revised proposal will be submitted to the Cabinet early next week. The key Lebanese demands include:
1. An immediate cessation of all Israeli hostilities—by land, sea, and air, including assassinations.
2. Full Israeli withdrawal behind internationally recognized borders and release of all prisoners.
3. Extension of Lebanese state authority across the entire territory, including the disarmament of all non-state actors—explicitly including Hezbollah—with weapons handed over to the army.
4. Annual international support of $1 billion for ten years to bolster the Lebanese Army and internal security forces.
5. An international donor conference this fall to fund Lebanon’s reconstruction.
6. Demarcation of Lebanon’s land and maritime borders with Syria, with U.S., French, Saudi, and UN technical assistance.
7. Resolution of the Syrian refugee crisis.
8. Combatting smuggling and drug trafficking, and supporting alternative agriculture and industries.
President Aoun stated: “This is a roadmap every honest Lebanese can adopt. It would halt Israeli aggression, compel withdrawal from all occupied territories, draw Lebanon’s borders for the first time in its history, and allow us to rebuild with confidence in the state and the military. It’s a prerequisite for economic revival and structural reform—with international and Arab backing.”
The President also called for an end to “wars—ours and others’—fought on our soil” and decried the illusions that external support or domestic militias could substitute for a strong state. “Only the army’s arms are credible in the face of aggression,” he said, “because they are backed by a legitimate state rooted in institutions and the public good.”
To Lebanese who have resisted Israeli aggression and their communities, Aoun offered a plea: “Place your trust in the state alone, or risk rendering your sacrifices in vain. Do not allow this historic chance to pass us by. We cannot afford to forfeit Arab and international support or our national consensus.”
Aoun reiterated that his push for exclusive army control over weapons stems from his desire to protect Lebanon’s sovereignty and liberate occupied territories, not to marginalize any group. “You are a cornerstone of this state. Your dignity is its dignity. Your security is its security.”
Moreover, President Aoun urged political factions to approach the issue of disarmament with national responsibility. “We are at a defining moment. Provocations and one-upmanship serve no one. All our sacrifices are sacred, and national threats—be they security or economic—spare no one.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Aoun noted his efforts to swiftly form a technocratic Cabinet led by Prime Minister Salam to prevent institutional paralysis. He listed six core priorities:
1. Judicial reform: Restoring public trust in the judiciary through the appointment of an ethical Supreme Judicial Council, empowering the Judicial Inspection Authority, and issuing the long-delayed judicial appointments decree. He praised recent legal progress, including the revival of the Beirut Port blast investigation, arrests of implicated figures, and the advancement of a law to strengthen judicial independence.
2. Security and weapons control: Military and security appointments have reinforced the state’s authority across its territory, curbing smuggling, money laundering, and terrorism. He affirmed that no extremist group will be allowed to threaten Lebanon’s unity or sacred institutions.
3. Depositor rights: Though difficult, the government has submitted bills to restructure the banking sector and determine accountability for the financial collapse. Central Bank and regulatory appointments are underway to stabilize monetary policy and restore investor confidence.
4. Administrative reform: Key appointments have been made for the first time since 2002, particularly in regulatory bodies crucial to electricity, telecoms, and civil aviation reform. The state is accelerating digitization, launching a national ID number system to combat corruption and improve efficiency.
5. Elections: The government successfully conducted municipal elections with integrity and transparency. It is also pushing for parliamentary election reforms and committed to holding them on schedule, including voting rights for Lebanese expatriates.
6. Foreign policy and reintegration: Aoun highlighted renewed diplomatic ties and regional engagement, including a Saudi-led initiative to resolve border tensions with Syria. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to a constructive relationship with Damascus, built on mutual benefit.
In closing, President Aoun said:
“I’ve sacrificed political capital to spare the nation senseless wars. But the moment of truth has arrived. The region stands between collapse and prosperity. I have chosen to lead Lebanon forward—with you—toward a better future. Together, we will seize this opportunity to rescue the country and restore dignity to every Lebanese. The time has come to entrust our national army—alone—with the defense of our borders and our sovereignty.”
“Let this be our historic decision: that the Lebanese Army alone bears arms on behalf of us all. Our legitimacy flows from its legitimacy. Our dignity from its strength. The holiday will not be complete until liberation is achieved, until border demarcation is finalized, and until disarmament is implemented and reconstruction begins.”
“Glory and eternity to our righteous martyrs. Long live the Army. Long live Lebanon.”
