Foreign Minister Joe Rajji met Tuesday with the Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, and Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on the sidelines of the 163rd session of the Arab League Council.

During his meeting with Aboul Gheit, Rajji praised “the central role played by the league as a gathering place for Arabs in facing the various regional crises and challenges.” He expressed “deep gratitude for the consistent and supportive positions taken by the pan-Arab body towards Lebanon, especially after the recent Israeli aggression,” calling for “continued support until the complete withdrawal of Israel from the five points still occupied in Lebanese territory.” Rajji also presented the main reforms implemented by the Beirut government, as well as ongoing efforts by the Lebanese army to implement Resolution 1701.

At the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, triggered by a Hamas attack, Hezbollah opened a front against Israel by launching rockets from southern Lebanon to support its Palestinian ally. These hostilities escalated into a full-scale war in September 2024 with intense Israeli bombings in Lebanon. A cease-fire agreement was reached at the end of November 2024. However, Israel has maintained its military occupation in Lebanese territory in what it presents as five “strategic” points along the border and continues to conduct regular strikes in Lebanon, claiming to target Hezbollah infrastructure and members.

The Lebanese and Egyptian foreign ministers also discussed bilateral relations between their countries and the importance of strengthening them in various areas, including political, economic, and cultural, according to the state-run National News Agency (NNA). Abdelatty reaffirmed “his country’s full support for Lebanon against Israeli aggressions” and praised “the national role played by Lebanese institutions, particularly the army, to restore stability.”

Rajji praised “Cairo's central role in supporting the Palestinian cause, especially in the context of the ongoing war against the Gaza Strip.” He stressed “the importance of the Egyptian and Arab role in helping Lebanon resolve the Syrian refugee crisis, which is becoming an increasing burden on the country's economy and security.”

During the joint press conference following the meeting, the Lebanese foreign minister stated that “the inaugural speech of the President and the government’s ministerial statement are clear regarding the state's monopoly on arms,” saying that it is a “national and popular requirement.” He also thanked Egypt for its support, emphasizing that “Lebanon will restore its relations with all brotherly countries.”

President Joseph Aoun said last week that he was working to make 2025 the year “of state monopoly on arms.” Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stressed on Sunday that “the Lebanese state alone is the master of the decision of war and peace, and the only party authorized to possess arms.” On the other hand, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated on Friday that his party “will not allow anyone to disarm it,” calling for a “dialogue on a comprehensive defense strategy.”