Lebanon Removes 'Armed Resistance' Clause from Ministerial Statement

Lebanon's new government, under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, has made a historic shift by omitting the term 'armed resistance' from its ministerial statement for the first time since 2000. This change reflects a move towards reaffirming state sovereignty over security matters and limiting Hezbollah's influence, which has been a significant factor in Lebanese politics for decades. The statement emphasizes the responsibility of the Lebanese military for national defense and aligns with UN Resolution 1701, which calls for disarming all armed groups except the Lebanese military. The decision comes amidst internal and external pressures on Hezbollah, particularly following military setbacks and a waning of its influence after the Syrian regime's decline. The new guidelines also underscore the government's commitment to state reforms and maintaining Lebanon's authority over its territories. This departure from past statements raises questions about the potential impact on Lebanon's security dynamics and Hezbollah's role moving forward.