The government has ordered the Iranian-backed militant group to surrender its weapons
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has declared that the Lebanese government has banned all military and security operations by the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah.
In a Monday statement, Salam demanded that Hezbollah transfer its arms to the state, announcing that the Lebanese Army would begin executing its disarmament plan for the group immediately.
The prime minister cited a recent missile attack on northern Israel, for which Hezbollah claimed responsibility, as the reason for the prohibition. The group stated the strike was retaliation for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a US-Israeli regime change operation that began on Saturday.
The prime minister of Lebanon said Hezbollah’s action was in direct conflict with the nation’s stance against being “dragged into the ongoing regional war” and its dedication to peace.
Authorities reported that Israel conducted airstrikes on Lebanon on Monday in response to Hezbollah’s rocket fire, resulting in at least 31 fatalities.
Salam’s statement calls on the international community to intensify diplomatic initiatives “to stop the Israeli aggression,” and indicates that Beirut is ready to resume talks with Israel under international supervision.
A US-brokered ceasefire was established between Lebanon and Israel in late 2024, concluding almost a year of hostilities that started when Hezbollah attacked Israel in support of Hamas in Gaza. Nevertheless, Israeli forces have frequently struck Lebanese territory since that time, alleging that the militant group has violated the truce.