What they said مصباح الأحدب ×

The army is a national institution that unites all Lebanese. Respecting it does not mean immunizing its leadership from criticism, nor does it give it the right to monopolize patriotism or to question the patriotism of those who demand the implementation of state decisions. The army protects the homeland and does not monopolize the definition of patriotism.

We warn against dragging the army into political disputes, and against attempts to use the military institution to change a political decision taken by the Lebanese government, or to cast doubt on its legitimacy. We put this before the President of the Republic, who is entrusted with respecting the constitution, protecting institutions and preventing the army from being employed in political conflicts.

The army commander's remarks suggesting that anyone who disagrees with his vision of patriotism stands on the other side raise serious questions about the role of the military institution and the limits of its powers, especially since these remarks are understood as casting doubt on the patriotism of anyone who disagrees with the army leadership in its approach to dealing with illegal weapons in Lebanon.