Lebanese foreign minister urges Gulf states to help restore country's sovereignty

What Happened

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji, speaking at the 22nd Manama Dialogue organised by the International Institute for Strategic Studies, called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from what he termed occupied Lebanese territories, an end to ongoing Israeli attacks, and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He urged Gulf states to support efforts to restore Lebanon's sovereignty, according to Lebanon's National News Agency. Rajji said that under President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Lebanon had begun to reassert state control, citing government decisions to place all weapons under state authority and to ban Hezbollah's military and security activities.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

Rajji's remarks signal a Lebanese government effort to align with Gulf Arab states and distance itself from Hezbollah and Iranian influence, framing sovereignty and state monopoly on force as prerequisites for stability and Arab relations. The statements come as Lebanon navigates the contested ceasefire and UNSCR 1701 implementation, and could shape Gulf diplomatic and financial support for Beirut while pressuring Hezbollah's domestic position.

Watch For

Monitor whether Gulf capitals announce concrete support or follow-up meetings after the Manama Dialogue; whether Lebanon's cabinet proceeds with enforcing the cited weapons/Hezbollah ban and how Hezbollah responds; and whether the call for full Israeli withdrawal and UNSCR 1701 implementation produces any new diplomatic initiative or confrontation along the border.