Lebanese President Reaffirms Army's Sole Authority and Legitimacy

President Michel Aoun extended his greetings to the Lebanese Army, its leadership, officers, and personnel on the occasion of Army Day, celebrated on August 1st.

In his address, President Aoun emphasized:

"The Lebanese Army is not just another institution but the sole guarantor of Lebanon's unity, sovereignty, and independence. It's time for us all to solidify this constitutional and national truth: no weapon holds legitimacy except those under the state's authority, and the country's defense rests solely with its national army, representing all Lebanese across regions, sects, and affiliations. The military alone possesses the decision-making power and legitimacy to serve as the state's exclusive military arm. We are committed to steadily reinforcing this, ensuring the shared living and stability of the country."

President Aoun added: "In the south, where our army has inscribed heroic tales of sacrifice and steadfastness, the responsibility increases with every Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese soil. The next phase necessitates the comprehensive deployment of military units across the southern borders, ensuring state authority exclusively over its territories. This asserts to the world that Lebanon, with its army alone, can protect its sovereignty and maintain security in this sensitive region, paving the way for the safe return of its people to their villages and towns.
Supporting the army is not a luxury; it is an existential necessity. A strong army depends not only on equipment but on the trust and moral and material support of its people. Thus, any doubt cast on the army or attempts to detach it from its popular base weakens the state and threatens remaining stability cornerstones. I call on all Lebanese, home and abroad, to rally around the army as their unifying red line, beyond political or partisan disagreements, because the nation cannot afford to be stripped of a defending army.
I reaffirm, with trust and pride, our full confidence in the army's leadership. It has proven its high level of responsibility, professionalism, and impartiality in the most challenging situations, managing sensitive issues wisely and prioritizing national interests without bias, which strengthens this institution's place in the hearts of all Lebanese. As for the soldiers safeguarding our borders and security amidst severe economic hardships, I assure them that the Lebanese state—through its presidency, parliament, and government—will continue all efforts to improve their living and social conditions, providing necessary support for them and their families. The dignity of our soldiers is the nation's dignity; it is unacceptable to demand their sacrifice while leaving them and their families vulnerable to hardship. We will persist, in coordination with friendly and allied countries, to secure the support, equipment, and training worthy of an esteemed institution that has given and continues to give the ultimate sacrifices. Long live the army, long live Lebanon, and immortal glory to our martyrs."