Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam bans Hezbollah military activities amid escalating tensions with Israel, announcing a full ban on the group’s military and security operations. The decision came hours after the Iran-linked group launched rocket and drone attacks on Israel, prompting retaliatory airstrikes on southern Beirut.
“We announce a ban on Hezbollah’s military activities and restrict its role to the political sphere,” Salam stated, emphasizing that any operations outside Lebanon’s legitimate institutions are “illegal.” He urged Lebanese security forces to prevent attacks originating from Lebanese territory and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to cease hostilities and resume negotiations.
Hezbollah Claims Responsibility
Hezbollah, which has historically operated independently from the Lebanese government, claimed responsibility for the attack, citing retaliation for the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and describing it as a defense of Lebanon against repeated Israeli aggressions.
Israel Responds with Airstrikes
Israel responded with air raids on Beirut, resulting in over 30 deaths and 149 injuries, according to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency.
Hezbollah’s Weakened Capabilities
The group’s capabilities have been significantly weakened since the 2024 conflict, which saw Israel target most of Hezbollah’s military and political leadership. Despite international pressure from the United States and Israel to disarm Hezbollah, the group has consistently refused to surrender weapons north of the Litani River, arguing that the November 2024 ceasefire covers only the area south of the waterway.
Lebanon’s Disarmament Plan
Lebanese authorities are pursuing a five-phase plan to dismantle Hezbollah’s arsenals. The first phase, completed in January, covered the southern border area with Israel, while the second phase, targeting the region between the Litani and Awali rivers, is expected to take at least four more months.
Escalation Deepens Lebanon’s Crisis
The recent escalation threatens to deepen Lebanon’s ongoing economic and political crises. Salam condemned Hezbollah’s attack as “an irresponsible and suspicious act that jeopardises Lebanon’s security and safety and provides Israel with pretexts to continue its aggression.”
Humanitarian Concerns
Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr, reporting from Beirut, warned of a looming humanitarian crisis, with hundreds of thousands fleeing southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of the capital. “This is part of Israel’s strategy to punish supporters of Hezbollah and those living under the group’s influence,” Khodr said, noting Israel aims to shift public sentiment against Hezbollah and hold it responsible for escalating a long-standing conflict.
Lebanon Faces Mounting Pressure
As tensions rise, Lebanon faces mounting pressure to maintain security, protect civilians, and navigate the delicate balance between domestic politics and regional conflict.
