Lebanon Outlaws Hezbollah’s Military Operations as Violence Escalates

The Lebanese government on Monday formally banned the military and security activities of Hezbollah, a move that drew immediate criticism from the Iran-backed organisation.

The decision followed early Monday rocket and drone attacks by Hezbollah toward Israel in retaliation for the US-Israeli killing of Iranian leader Ali Khamenei.

Israel struck southern Beirut suburbs and villages across south Lebanon, vowing Hezbollah would face a “heavy price.” At least 52 people were killed and 154 wounded, according to Lebanese officials. The Israeli military said it had targeted more than 70 weapons storage sites, missile launchers, and launch locations belonging to Hezbollah.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam stated:

“The Lebanese state declares its absolute and unequivocal rejection of any military or security actions launched from Lebanese territory outside the framework of its legitimate institutions. This necessitates the immediate prohibition of all of Hezbollah’s security and military activities, considering them to be outside the law, and obliging it to hand over its weapons.”

Hezbollah parliamentary leader Mohammed Raad called Beirut’s actions “rash decisions” and said:

“The Lebanese were expecting a decision rejecting the (Israeli) aggression.”

The cabinet instructed military and security agencies to stop further launches of missiles and drones, with Justice Minister Adel Nassar ordering immediate arrests of those involved. Two Amal Movement ministers and one Hezbollah minister reportedly backed the decision.

Israeli airstrikes hit Hezbollah-linked financial firm Al-Qard al-Hassan and other targets, while Palestinian Islamic Jihad commander Adham Adnan al-Othman was killed. Evacuation warnings were issued across southern towns and Beirut’s southern suburbs, prompting widespread traffic and civilian displacement.

The US Embassy renewed calls for Americans to leave Lebanon, and educational institutions were closed on Tuesday due to “security conditions.” Salam urged the US and France to secure Israel’s commitment to cease all attacks and confirmed Lebanon’s “full readiness to resume negotiations” with civilian participation under international supervision.

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