Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty emphasized the need for increased international backing for Lebanon's armed forces during a preparatory meeting in Cairo. This call comes as Lebanon implements a strategy to disarm the militant group Hezbollah and ensure that all weapons are centralized under state control. Abdelatty praised the Lebanese army's completion of the plan's first phase, highlighting its effectiveness and the necessity for further assistance from the global community to advance through the subsequent phases of the initiative.

The plan to disarm Hezbollah follows a commitment made by Lebanon's government last year, coinciding with the group's diminished strength after a recent conflict with Israel. The Lebanese military has been tasked with creating a comprehensive strategy to achieve disarmament, but the progress has been hindered by significant shortages of resources, including equipment, personnel, and technical know-how. As Lebanon strives to reinforce its army's capabilities, it has started receiving assurances of support from various international entities, which are crucial for the military's operational success.

The outcome of Lebanon's disarmament strategy is critical not only for the country's internal stability but also for regional security dynamics. The international community's responsiveness to Egypt's appeal will play a vital role in determining the future efficacy of Lebanon's armed forces and its ability to manage the challenges posed by non-state actors like Hezbollah, thereby shaping the broader security landscape in the Middle East.