The Arms Defiance, The State's Rebuke

Initial reports indicated the army's continued expansion southward in its "confine weapons" plan, a development framed by some as occurring after Iranian official Larijani's visit seemingly failed to achieve its objectives. However, the day's editorial focus quickly shifted mid-morning with a prominent Hezbollah official's declaration that the group would not surrender its arms, warning the government of potential internal "explosion." This defiant stance immediately drew widespread political commentary and strong rejections. Throughout the day, former Prime Minister Salam and several former presidents and prime ministers condemned such threats of civil war and external dictation, reaffirming the imperative for state authority. International support for Lebanon and its army was also noted, alongside reports of Lebanon taking initial steps toward restoring full sovereignty, all against the backdrop of this intensifying national debate on arms control.