Egypt welcomes Lebanon move to place arms under state control south of Litani

Ahram Online , Thursday 15 Jan 2026

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on Thursday welcomed Lebanon’s announcement that it had completed the first phase of a plan to place arms under state control south of the Litani River, during a phone call with Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam.

Combined photos of (From L to R) Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty and Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam

According to Egypt’s foreign ministry, Abdelatty said the move reflects a commitment to strengthening state sovereignty and reinforcing the authority of Lebanon’s official institutions.

He commended efforts by the Lebanese state to assert control over its territory, reaffirming Egypt’s support for Lebanon’s sovereignty, unity, and territorial integrity.

Abdelatty said Cairo backs Lebanon’s national institutions in carrying out their responsibilities to maintain security and stability in a way that protects the interests of the Lebanese people.

He also reiterated Egypt’s rejection of any military escalation that infringes on Lebanon’s sovereignty or territorial integrity.

During the call, Abdelatty stressed the need for the full and non-selective implementation of United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, including the immediate and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to all violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

The call comes amid renewed Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, in what Egypt described as another breach of the ceasefire agreement intended to halt Israel’s war on the country.