A coalition of over 400 Lebanese public figures, including politicians and religious leaders, has launched the “A Call to Save Lebanon” initiative to demand the restoration of state sovereignty and the end of both Iranian and Israeli influence within the country. The movement advocates for the exclusive right of the Lebanese Armed Forces to bear arms, effectively challenging the military autonomy of Hezbollah, according to initiative documents released this week.
Why is the “A Call to Save Lebanon” initiative gaining momentum now?
The initiative emerged following widespread public frustration over Hezbollah’s decision to engage in cross-border conflicts, which many critics argue prioritize Tehran’s regional agenda over Lebanese national interests. According to Kataeb leader Sami Gemayel, the Lebanese people are no longer willing to live as “hostages” to an armed group that bypasses state institutions. Gemayel noted that Lebanon has suffered significantly more than Iran during recent regional military escalations, a claim he supported by citing recent statements from Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf.
Did you know? The “A Call to Save Lebanon” campaign specifically calls for the implementation of long-standing, yet dormant, legal frameworks that mandate the demilitarization of non-state actors, a process dating back to post-civil war legislative efforts.
How are political leaders pressuring international stakeholders?
Lebanese officials are actively lobbying Washington and other diplomatic partners to prioritize the strengthening of state institutions over militia-led negotiations. Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea sent an open letter to US Vice-President JD Vance, arguing that Hezbollah has systematically weakened Lebanon’s government and harmed its Christian communities. Geagea urged the United States to shift its focus toward supporting legitimate Lebanese authorities to remove foreign interference from the country’s decision-making process.
What are the proposed steps for restoring Lebanese sovereignty?
Fouad Makhzoumi, president of the National Dialogue Party, has outlined a specific roadmap for stabilization. He publicly called for the immediate deployment of the Lebanese Army throughout the Nabatieh region and along the border zones adjacent to areas under Israeli control. According to Makhzoumi, this move is essential to prevent further military provocations that provide external powers with pretexts for expanding their presence on Lebanese soil.
Comparing regional influence vs. state authority
| Entity | Stance on Sovereignty |
|---|---|
| Hezbollah | Maintains independent military capability linked to Iranian policy. |
| “A Call to Save Lebanon” | Demands total state monopoly on force and end to foreign agendas. |
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the primary goal of the “A Call to Save Lebanon” initiative?
The initiative seeks to reclaim national decision-making power for the Lebanese state and end the influence of foreign powers, specifically Iran and Israel. - Does the initiative support the current ceasefire talks?
The initiative proceeds alongside ongoing ceasefire discussions in Washington, though it pushes for a long-term solution that empowers the Lebanese Army rather than relying on militia mediation. - What is the stance on Hezbollah’s weapons?
The coalition demands that only state actors hold arms, calling for the enforcement of laws that mandate the demilitarization of the organization.
Pro Tip: To stay updated on the evolving political landscape in Beirut, follow official statements from the National Dialogue Party and the Kataeb office, as these entities are currently driving the discourse on sovereignty.
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