Weapons crackdown: Beirut sees major security reinforcement

Report by Lara El Hachem, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi  

As Beirut grappled with the aftermath of destruction and casualties, the government moved to tighten security by tasking the Lebanese Army and security agencies with restricting weapons within the capital and reinforcing state authority.

However, the decision sparked mixed reactions. Some Lebanese viewed it as indirectly justifying Israeli strikes, a concern raised by Health Minister Rakan Nassereddine during a Cabinet session when Prime Minister Nawaf Salam introduced the proposal.

Salam defended the move, citing growing security concerns among Beirut residents. He argued that Israel targets military figures and weapons sites, and that removing any pretext for such strikes could help protect the capital from further attacks.

Another key concern driving the decision is the displacement crisis. Beirut is hosting an estimated 50,000 displaced people in an already densely populated and politically and sectarian diverse environment. Officials fear that tensions could escalate into clashes involving small arms, potentially leading to widespread instability.

The measure was approved by a majority in Cabinet, with ministers affiliated with the Amal Movement backing the decision, while ministers from Hezbollah opposed its wording.

Under the plan, security measures will be intensified through increased patrols, surveillance, and, if necessary, raids. The army has already redeployed around 1,000 troops from South Lebanon to Beirut, as part of broader efforts to bolster the security presence and reassure residents.

In a balancing act, the government avoided extending the measures to Beirut's southern suburbs to prevent potential tensions, while focusing enforcement within the capital itself.

Israeli officials welcomed the move, a reaction some see as an attempt to deepen internal divisions. 

Nevertheless, Lebanese authorities frame the decision as part of a broader policy trajectory since the government's formation, including efforts to restrict weapons nationwide, classify Hezbollah's military activities as illegal, and take diplomatic steps such as withdrawing recognition of the Iranian ambassador.

Officials warn that any armed presence among civilians risks triggering further Israeli strikes and could lead to renewed violence and civilian casualties.