Lebanon, Egypt discuss army’s plan for weapons control, Israeli escalation in south

BEIRUT / ISTANBUL

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held talks in Beirut on Wednesday to discuss a government plan for arms control and ongoing Israeli attacks in the country’s south.

Speaking following the talks, Abdelatty said his visit to Beirut, which started on Tuesday evening, reflects Egypt’s interest in Lebanon’s security and stability.

A Lebanese presidency statement said the top diplomat stressed the importance of coordination between Egypt and Lebanon, reiterating support for President Aoun’s initiative to expand army’s control to all positions in southern Lebanon.

Under a ceasefire agreement declared in November 2024, the Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon this January, but instead only partially pulled out and continues to maintain a military presence at five border outposts.

“Egypt supports the Lebanese government’s decision to confine all weapons under state control, including Hezbollah’s arms,” Abdelatty said.

On Aug. 5, the Lebanese government approved a plan, based on a draft proposal presented by US Special Envoy Tom Barrack, to place all weapons -- including those held by Hezbollah -- under state control and tasked the army with implementing the plan before the end of 2025.

“We are making great efforts to spare Lebanon any risks or hostile tendencies that threaten its security and safety, and these efforts will not stop,” he said, calling for “an immediate halt to Israeli violations,” and for diplomatic and political solutions instead of military approaches.

“The entire region is on the brink of full escalation, and this serves no party whatsoever. We are using our channels—direct or indirect—to help reduce tensions,” Abdelatty said.

Tensions in southern Lebanon have been mounting for weeks, with the Israeli military intensifying near-daily air raids inside Lebanese territory, claiming to target Hezbollah members and infrastructure.