Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri Monday called for strengthening the country's army, saying the move is aimed at help preserve stability in Lebanon, according to a statement released by his office, Xinhua reported.
"Stability in the country is essential and it generates prosperity and creates job opportunities," he said, adding "we must work to maintain the stability, and I call for strengthening and equipping all military and security forces."
Hariri's remarks came amid calls by high ranking military officials to equip the army with advanced weapons.
Lebanese Defense Ministry last week opened a bank account at Lebanese central bank to collect public donations for the army. The bank account would be supervised by an accounting and auditing firm, which will publish donors' names monthly to ensure transparency.
The series of moves came following the latest deadly clashes between Lebanese and Israeli soldiers near a Lebanese border town, during which three Lebanese and an Israeli officer were killed.