At a time when Lebanon is facing intertwined security, political, and economic challenges, the concept of the state has returned to the forefront of political debate through the "Protecting Lebanon" meeting, held in Beirut with the participation of parliamentary blocs, as well as political, economic, and intellectual figures from diverse backgrounds. The gathering concluded with the adoption of a joint document centered on a set of national principles, most notably Lebanon's unity, the state's exclusive right to bear arms, and the rejection of Israeli occupation, internal division, and foreign interference.

The meeting is significant because it brought together actors from different political orientations around a shared set of principles at a particularly sensitive moment for Lebanon, as domestic challenges intersect with regional developments. Meanwhile, Lebanese citizens at home and across the diaspora are closely watching for initiatives that could pave the way for a broader national consensus and restore confidence in the state's institutions.

A Document Built Around Three Pillars

The document, titled "Proposal for Protecting Lebanon," was the result of months of consultations and is structured around three main pillars: a code of conduct, rejected scenarios, and the desired solution.

In its introduction, the document states that Lebanon is caught in overlapping conflicts and wars, while history has shown that wars ultimately end with political solutions. It argues that Lebanon's national interest lies in building a strong state that alone exercises sovereignty and decision-making authority, capable of defending the country's interests independently of regional alignments, foreign tutelage, or external interference.

The document also emphasizes that rejecting the Israeli occupation is fully compatible with supporting the state's exclusive authority and monopoly over arms, presenting the two objectives as complementary rather than contradictory. It calls for protecting Lebanon from internal strife and shielding it from the consequences of regional conflicts.

The State and the Army at the Core of the Vision

The document reaffirms Lebanon's unity across its internationally recognized territory of 10,452 square kilometers, rejects any form of partition or permanent settlement of refugees, and supports the implementation and, where nationally agreed, the development of the Taif Agreement.

It also calls for rejecting violence and internal armed conflict, advocating dialogue as the only means of resolving political disputes while condemning incitement, accusations of treason, and sectarian rhetoric in favor of a unifying national discourse.

Furthermore, the document stresses respect for the Constitution and the rule of law, urges the state to assume responsibility for facilitating the return of displaced persons and rebuilding affected areas, and rejects any demographic changes resulting from temporary displacement.

On the security front, it insists that only the Lebanese Army and legitimate security institutions should be responsible for maintaining public order and enforcing the law, rejecting all forms of self-security arrangements and militia like structures.

Rejecting Internal Strife, Occupation, and Foreign Interference

Under the section titled "Rejected Scenarios," the document rejects internal conflict and the transfer of political disputes to the streets. It also rejects the Israeli occupation and any attempt to seize Lebanese territory, while opposing all forms of foreign interference in Lebanon's internal affairs. At the same time, it calls for balanced international relations based on good neighborliness and mutual respect.

Under the section "The Desired Solution," the document calls for Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territory, an end to hostilities, the return of prisoners, the consolidation of the state's exclusive right to bear arms, and the adoption of a national defense strategy that strengthens the Lebanese Army and state security institutions.

It also advocates reinforcing Lebanon's security by supporting the armed forces, strengthening state institutions, benefiting from international understandings and guarantees that contribute to Lebanon's stability, endorsing the principle of a just peace in line with the Arab Peace Initiative, restoring Lebanon's full rights, developing its natural resources, and addressing the issues of Palestinian refugees and Syrian displaced persons without permanent settlement.

What Does the Document Mean for the Lebanese Diaspora?

Although the initiative is primarily a domestic political effort, several of its provisions directly address issues of concern to Lebanese communities abroad particularly those related to state-building, stability, and the rule of law. These are key factors that many members of the diaspora consider when deciding whether to invest in Lebanon, expand their business activities, launch new projects, or even contemplate returning.

Likewise, the document's emphasis on safeguarding national unity, strengthening the role of the Lebanese Army, rebuilding southern Lebanon, and preventing internal divisions touches on issues that Lebanese abroad closely monitor, given that progress in these areas could improve Lebanon's international image and help restore confidence that has eroded through years of successive crises.

For Lebanese communities around the world, the true measure of any political initiative lies not in the principles it proclaims, but in its ability to rebuild state institutions, strengthen stability, and restore public trust. These are the factors that will largely determine the diaspora's willingness to invest in Lebanon, deepen its engagement with the country, and contribute to its recovery.

Ultimately, the success of the principles outlined in the "Protecting Lebanon" document will depend on whether Lebanon's political forces can translate them into concrete action and transform the declared consensus around statehood, sovereignty, and stability into effective public policies. If these principles evolve from declarations into tangible reforms, they could mark the beginning of rebuilding trust between the Lebanese state and its citizens not only within Lebanon, but also among the hundreds of thousands of Lebanese living abroad, who continue to view a strong and stable state as the essential foundation for the country's future.

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