Aoun backs army statement, asks friendly countries not to send arms to Hezbollah

President Joseph Aoun voiced Thursday his support to the army, as cabinet convened at the Baabda palace to discuss the army's plan to disarm Hezbollah.

The army had announced, in a statement, earlier on Thursday, that it had concluded the first phase of their plan to fully deploy across southern Lebanon and disarm non-state groups, notably Hezbollah.

The president's office said that Aoun strongly backs the army's statement, calling on Israel to stop its attacks, withdraw from areas it occupies, and release Lebanese prisoners.

Aoun also called on friendly countries not to send weapons to Lebanon unless it's to state institutions, an apparent reference to Iran which for decades has sent weapons and munitions to Hezbollah.

Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Beirut to discuss with Lebanese officials "challenges" that Lebanon is facing, including Israeli occupation and violations of the ceasefire agreement.