Saudi Arabia has reaffirmed its commitment to Lebanon's
sovereignty and the authority of its state institutions, underscored by a
diplomatic approach emphasising reform and stability. A U.S. official
highlighted that Riyadh’s efforts align closely with Washington’s strategy to
support Lebanon’s government and military in restoring full state control and
limiting armed non-state actors.
Renewed Saudi Commitment to Lebanon’s Sovereignty
As reported by LBCI, a U.S. source conveyed that recent
reports about Saudi Arabia’s position on Lebanon reflect a firm backing of the
country’s sovereignty and state authority. This approach underscores Riyadh’s
intention to play a pivotal role in stabilising Lebanon amid its ongoing
political and economic crises, reinforcing the Lebanese government’s control
over all national territory.
Saudi Arabia’s renewed interest follows years of relative
disengagement as detailed by Katharine Sorensen from the Hoover Institution,
who notes that Riyadh left Lebanon’s internal politics on the sidelines during
the prioritisation of Vision 2030 and regional conflicts like Yemen. However,
the changing regional landscape, particularly Hezbollah’s weakened position
after conflict with Israel, presents an opportunity for Saudi reengagement
focused on limiting Iranian influence and enhancing state authority.
Diplomatic Engagement and Strategic Cooperation
According to Al Mustapha writing for Arab News Japan, Saudi
Arabia's diplomatic stance involves active engagement through backchannel and
official visits by its special envoy, Prince Yazid bin Farhan. The envoy met
with key Lebanese leadership figures—including President Joseph Aoun, Prime
Minister Nawaf Salam, and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri—to prepare groundwork
for a comprehensive US-backed initiative aimed at disarming Hezbollah and
advancing Lebanese reforms.
This initiative, led by U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack, combines
economic reforms with security objectives, encompassing disarmament of
non-state militias under a broad plan supported by both Saudi Arabia and the
United States. Barrack described the Lebanese government’s response to his
proposal as “spectacular” at a press conference in Baabda, noting a detailed
seven-page commitment which, if implemented, would mark meaningful progress
toward re-establishing government control.
Support for the Lebanese Army and State Institutions
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as covered by Asharq
Al-Awsat, issued a statement expressing condolences over losses incurred by the
Lebanese army in southern Lebanon and praised the army’s efforts to uphold
Lebanese sovereignty. The statement reinforced the kingdom’s backing of
Lebanon’s military as the principal pillar of state authority, responsible for
securing borders and maintaining internal stability against the backdrop of
ongoing Israeli tensions.
On the military front, the Lebanese government recently
voted to approve a US-supported plan for Hezbollah’s disarmament and the
establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire with Israel, signalling a united
government position favoring arms control. The plan tasked the Lebanese army
with preparing mechanisms that guarantee an exclusive monopoly of force by
state institutions by year-end.
Regional and Economic Context
Saudi Arabia’s approach goes beyond military and political
support; it is part of a broader regional strategy to restore stability and
drive economic recovery in Lebanon. Riyadh sees Lebanon’s stability as crucial
to wider Middle Eastern peace and blocks the expansion of conflicts. Saudi
officials have insisted that aid and political support will be contingent on
Lebanon’s commitment to deep structural reforms and governance improvements,
including abolishing sectarian quota systems and tackling corruption.
Economic cooperation between the two countries includes lifting of Saudi import bans on Lebanese products and restoration of travel links to rejuvenate bilateral trade and tourism, offering a potential lifeline to Lebanon’s struggling economy severely hit by years of financial crisis.
The path to restoring sovereignty and full state authority
in Lebanon faces significant hurdles. The Lebanese political landscape remains
fragmented, with Hezbollah continuing to wield considerable influence. However,
analysts argue that the weakened position of armed factions post-conflict with
Israel, combined with international and regional diplomatic pressure, could
create an unprecedented opportunity for reform and peacebuilding.
Saudi Arabia’s diplomatic activities underscore a preference for gradual, negotiated progress rather than forced confrontations, aiming to avoid internal conflict while strengthening the state apparatus. This delicate balance involves persistent engagement with all Lebanese factions and the international community to ensure a comprehensive and sustainable political solution.