Lebanon's President Anoun visits Qatar as ceasefire tensions simmer at Israeli border

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun touched down in Doha on Tuesday night, beginning an official visit to Qatar for high-level talks with Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.Aoun said his visit reflects ongoing efforts to deepen ties with “brotherly and friendly nations”.

He hopes Qatar will play a stabilising role in Lebanon’s recovery and in asserting state authority, including over the armed forces.

In a separate interview with The New Arab, Aoun said 2025 must be the year only the state holds weapons. He suggested integrating Hezbollah into the Lebanese army through regular training - while rejecting any Iraqi-style militia model.

The visit comes as a fragile ceasefire with Israel remains under pressure, with more than 1,440 reported Israeli violations since November