Lebanon Imposes Strict Rules on Hezbollah Activities Amid Controversy

Lebanese Government Announces Ban on Hezbollah’s Military Activities

In a move aimed at bolstering national security, the Lebanese government announced a ban on Hezbollah’s military activities on Tuesday. The decision was made by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s cabinet, which also stated that all of Hezbollah’s military or security activities are “illegal” and vowed to prevent any attacks originating from Lebanese territory against Israel or other states.

Hezbollah responded to the announcement by launching an attack on Israel’s Ramat Airbase and a barrage of rockets at another military facility in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The group claimed it was acting to avenge the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran and Israel’s near-daily attacks on Lebanon.

Analysts have noted that the Lebanese government’s decision may have significant implications for the country’s future, with some arguing that it is a necessary step to bring security decisions under central government control. Others have expressed concerns about the potential consequences of such a move.

According to Imad Salamey, a political scientist at the Lebanese American University, the decision reflects broad national backing and signals a shift in support for consolidating arms under state authority. However, Michael Young, a Lebanon expert at the Carnegie Middle East Center, has cautioned that implementation of this decision will be complicated due to the reluctance of the army to engage with Hezbollah.

The ban on Hezbollah’s military activities comes amid ongoing tensions between Lebanon and Israel, as well as regional escalation. The Iranian-backed group has been a dominant force in Lebanese politics for decades, but its role has been diminished since the 2023-2024 war with Israel.

Source: Al Jazeera