• The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Veteran Association has called for a protest outside Beirut’s Grand Serail (Government Palace) at 10:00 (local time) on September 22. 
• In a statement, the Association announced its intent to hold an “open sit-in” and “spread out on the ground in all directions” to prevent any government sessions from convening until their demands are met.  
• It called on the public not to use roads surrounding the Grand Serail, while affirming that protesters would not engage in roadblocks in this area.  

1. This comes in the aftermath of unrest recorded at an LAF veterans’ protest in Beirut and Tripoli on September 17. It reflects continued dissatisfaction with the government’s perceived failure to meet their demands, which have included immediate salary adjustments, improved living standards, and proportional wage increases comparable to those granted to other public sector employees.  
2. The association characterized the planned protest as a necessary step after prior attempts to engage with the government were met with “indifference and arrogance.” This framing seeks to attribute responsibility for the latest protest with government inaction. By portraying their circumstances as “oppression” and even a “crime,” the group likely aims to draw broader public attention to their cause and garner support. This was also indicated by its pledge not to inconvenience civilians with roadblocks, and its call upon the public not to use roads in the vicinity of the protest instead in a symbolic show of solidarity with veterans. 
3. FORECAST: Nonetheless, the protest is liable to be disruptive given its occurrence outside the Grand Serail and the group’s stated intent to prevent the Cabinet session from taking place. This increases the risk of scuffles between security forces and protesters, which could prompt additional incidents of unrest such as lighting tire fires, as recorded on September 17, despite the group’s statement that it would not engage in such activity. A turnout in the dozens can be expected, with a bolstered security presence likely in the area, including the use of barricades. Traffic disruptions are likely to be recorded.  

Those operating or residing in Beirut during the morning hours of September 22 are advised to avoid nonessential travel to the vicinity of the Grand Serail due to the slated protest and associated risk of localized unrest.