Sovereignty First: Lebanese Lawmaker Lays Out Road to Recovery Before Visiting US Congressmen

At a reception in Beirut honoring Representatives Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer, a Lebanese parliamentarian called for state control over war and peace, disarmament, banking reform and direct negotiations.

By Khurram Ali RazaFaith & Freedom News (FFN) · fandfnews.com

BEIRUT — Lebanon’s path out of crisis begins with restoring state authority over all its territory, including the exclusive power to decide on war and peace, a Lebanese member of parliament said during a reception honoring two visiting American lawmakers, Darin LaHood and Josh Gottheimer.

Speaking in the presence of several parliamentary colleagues, the lawmaker said the guests’ visit “reflects the depth of the friendship based on a foundation of cooperation between Lebanon and the United States, a friendship of great importance and high esteem.”

A Table Divided, a State United

Representatives of most Lebanese political forces and parties were gathered at the table, with the exception of Hezbollah. “Despite our differences,” the speaker said, those present share a commitment to Lebanon as a sovereign state, “not a tool in the hands of” any faction.

He extended heartfelt thanks to Ambassador Michel Issa and his team for their insistence on “turning diplomatic work into practical steps and tangible results.”

“Lebanon’s recovery begins with restoring state authority over all its territories, including the exclusive authority over the decisions on war and peace.”

Disarmament With Timelines and Accountability

Hezbollah’s weapons, its ties with Tehran and its parallel financial networks “remain among the most significant obstacles” to recovery, he said. Disarmament, he argued, requires “actual implementation, clear timelines” and accountability.

The Lebanese army needs the resources and support to fulfil its responsibilities, and effective oversight within it should ensure that those carrying out the plan are exclusively subject to state authority.

Wherever the army imposes state authority, the state must follow by securing services, rebuilding and creating economic opportunity. Aid should reach citizens transparently, “without contributing to strengthening Hezbollah’s influence or perpetuating political nepotism.”

Cash Economy and Banking Reform

Sovereignty, the speaker said, also means confronting the cash economy, which facilitates illicit financing and tax evasion and deprives the state of revenue. Bringing financial activity under effective regulation is “an economic, national and security priority at the same time.”

He named two indispensable priorities: reorganizing the banking sector and implementing a credible program with the World Bank. Lebanon needs banks that protect deposits, attract investment and finance businesses, along with a fair law assigning responsibility for the financial gap and protecting small depositors. Alongside an independent judiciary and the rule of law, these steps could “restore confidence and return funds to the official economy.”

Thanks to Trump, and a Call for Direct Talks

The speaker thanked President Donald Trump and his administration for their commitment to peace in the region. The trilateral agreement, he said, must be translated into practical steps: expanding the Lebanese army’s authority, disarming Hezbollah and all other militias, and a complete Israeli withdrawal in parallel, backed by a reliable mechanism to protect civilians.

“We must also take the necessary courage to move towards direct negotiations under Lebanese state authority,” he said, with the aim of resolving outstanding disputes and ensuring lasting peace. Addressing the visitors, he added that they know Lebanon’s exceptional challenges “perhaps more than many of us,” and urged constructive dialogue focused on practical solutions.

Key Points from the Speech