BEIRUT — Caretaker Minister of Defense Maurice Slim referred to the Cabinet a draft decree requesting a treasury advance of 113 billion and 250 million Lebanese pounds (around $1.26 million) to "cover the monthly cost of recruiting 1,500 soldiers for the army for three months," according to the state-run National News Agency.

A decree for a similar amount was approved earlier this month by the executive. Slim, who had boycotted that meeting, stated Friday that he signed the new decree because he was convinced that "recruiting 1,500 soldiers for the army is a necessary step to strengthen the army's capabilities on the one hand, and to enable it to deploy additional forces in the south to fully implement U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701 on the other hand."

In early November, the minister had issued a statement criticizing the inclusion of the initial decree requesting the opening of additional credits on the meeting's agenda "without consulting him or originating the proposal from his office."

One of the points in the cease-fire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, which took effect on Wednesday, stipulates that Lebanon will deploy official security forces and the Lebanese Army along all border crossing points and the delineated line of the southern zone as outlined in the deployment plan.

Adopted in 2006, UNSC Resolution 1701 aimed to end hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel following the July War. It called for a cease-fire, the withdrawal of Hezbollah from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese Army and UNIFIL to maintain peace in the area.

Slim emphasized that any step he takes in the exercise of his powers is "based on his commitment to constitutional provisions, existing laws, and what serves the best interests of the army."

He added that his actions "are not contingent upon wishes, requests, or advice from any party, as safeguarding the national institution requires adherence to laws and respect for authority."

Finally, Slim affirmed that he "will not hesitate to take any necessary steps or decisions when national interest demands, particularly given the difficult circumstances the country has faced as a result of Israeli aggression, which call for a patriotic, honest, and transparent approach."