Lebanese PM Bans Hezbollah’s Military Activities After Attack on Israel

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Lebanese PM Bans Hezbollah’s Military Activities After Attack on Israel

In a major development amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has announced a ban on all military and security activities by Hezbollah. He called these actions "illegal" and said the group should limit itself to politics only. This comes after Hezbollah launched rocket and drone attacks on Israel from Lebanon. The attacks were in response to the reported killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during joint U.S.-Israeli strikes. Israel quickly hit back with air raids on southern Beirut, causing many deaths and injuries.This decision marks a turning point for Lebanon, a country already struggling with economic problems and political divisions. The ban aims to stop non-state groups from starting military actions, which could drag Lebanon into a wider war. Experts say this move shows Lebanon's government trying to take control and avoid more conflict in the region.According to reports, Hezbollah's attack caused some damage in Israel, but Israel's defense systems like Iron Dome stopped many rockets. Israeli officials said the strikes on Lebanon were to weaken Hezbollah and stop future attacks.Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's Statement

After an emergency cabinet meeting at the presidential palace in Beirut, chaired by President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Salam spoke to the press. He made a strong statement against Hezbollah's actions.Here is the key part of his statement: "The state rejects any military or security actions launched from Lebanese territory. We announce a ban on Hezbollah’s military activities and restrict its role to the political sphere. All Hezbollah activities are illegal, and we call upon the security forces to prevent any attacks originating from Lebanese territory. Only the state can decide on war and peace. We order the army to enforce this and detain anyone who breaks the rule."Salam also said the government wants Hezbollah to hand over its weapons to the state. He stressed that Lebanon remains committed to peace talks and stopping the fighting. He called Hezbollah's attack "irresponsible and suspicious," saying it puts Lebanon's safety at risk and gives Israel reasons to strike back.This is a bold step for the Lebanese government. For years, Hezbollah has acted like a separate power in Lebanon, with its own army stronger than the national one in some ways.Who Is Nawaf Salam?Nawaf Salam is a well-known figure in Lebanon and around the world. Born on December 15, 1953, in Beirut, he comes from a prominent family. His grandfather, Salim Salam, was a leader in Beirut and served in the Ottoman parliament. His uncle and cousin also served as prime ministers of Lebanon.Salam has a strong education background. He earned a doctorate in political science from Sciences Po in Paris in 1992, a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from Harvard Law School in 1991, and a doctorate in history from the Sorbonne in 1979. He worked as a lawyer, teacher, and diplomat.Before becoming prime minister on February 8, 2025, Salam was a judge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from 2018 to 2025. He became the ICJ president in 2024, the first Lebanese and second Arab to hold that role. He resigned from the court to take the PM job.From 2007 to 2017, he was Lebanon's ambassador to the United Nations. There, he helped shape Lebanon's foreign policy and supported things like the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. Many see him as a reformist who wants to build a stronger state in Lebanon.His appointment as PM came after political changes in Lebanon. People hope he can bring stability and fix the economy.The History of Hezbollah in LebanonTo understand this ban, we need to look at Hezbollah's past. Hezbollah, which means "Party of God," is a Shia Islamist political party and paramilitary group in Lebanon. It started in 1982 during the Israeli invasion of Lebanon.That year, Israel invaded to push out Palestinian fighters. Lebanese Shia clerics, inspired by Iran's 1979 revolution and Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, formed Hezbollah to fight the Israelis. Iran sent about 1,500 trainers from its Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) to help.At first, Hezbollah wanted to create an Islamic state in Lebanon like Iran's. But over time, it changed to focus on resisting Israel and Western influence. It fought in Lebanon's civil war (1975-1990) and clashed with other groups.In the 1980s, Hezbollah was known for attacks like the 1983 bombing of U.S. and French barracks in Beirut, killing over 300 people. It also kidnapped Westerners and fought Israel.After Israel left southern Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah kept its weapons, saying it was to defend against Israel. It built a strong military with rockets, drones, and fighters. Hezbollah also entered politics, winning seats in parliament and joining governments.But it has stayed independent, often acting without government approval. This has caused problems, like the 2006 war with Israel that damaged Lebanon a lot.In recent years, Hezbollah helped in Syria's war for President Bashar al-Assad and trained other groups. The 2024 war with Israel killed many of its leaders, including Hassan Nasrallah, weakening it.Lebanon agreed to disarm Hezbollah under pressure from the U.S. and Israel, but the group refused in some areas. The army has started disarming in parts south of the Litani River, but more work is needed.Reactions to the BanThe announcement got mixed reactions.Hezbollah's Response: The group rejected the ban. It said its attacks were to defend Lebanon and avenge Khamenei's death. Hezbollah called the disarmament demands a "U.S.-Israeli ploy" and said it would keep its weapons north of the Litani River. A spokesperson said, "We will not hand over our arms. This is our right to resist occupation."Israel's Reaction: Israel welcomed the move but said it would keep striking Hezbollah until the threat ends. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, "Lebanon's step is good, but actions matter more than words." Israel continued airstrikes, aiming to weaken Hezbollah's support base.United States: The U.S. supported the ban. President Donald Trump said it helps peace and urged Lebanon to enforce it. The U.S. has pushed for Hezbollah's disarmament for years.Iran: Iran condemned the decision, calling it a betrayal. Iranian officials said Hezbollah is key to resisting Israel and the U.S.

Public and Social Media Reactions: On social media like X (formerly Twitter), opinions vary. Some users shared the news without comment, like 

@straits_times

posting the article. Others were critical. One user said, "The Lebanese PM would rather suck Netanyahu's cock," showing anger from Hezbollah supporters. News accounts like 

@The_NewArab

included it in updates on the Iran war. Many Lebanese hope for peace, but fear more violence.

International groups like the UN called for calm and talks.Implications for Lebanon and the RegionThis ban could change Lebanon a lot. The country has suffered from economic collapse since 2019, with high inflation and poverty. More fighting would make it worse. Hundreds of thousands have already fled southern areas due to strikes.Enforcing the ban is hard. Hezbollah has thousands of fighters and weapons. The Lebanese army is weaker and has Shia members who might not fight Hezbollah. Experts say it needs international help, like from the UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon.In the region, this weakens Iran's influence. Hezbollah is part of the "Axis of Resistance" against Israel and the West. If disarmed, Iran loses a key ally. This could help peace talks, but also lead to internal conflict in Lebanon.For Israel, it's a win if Hezbollah stops attacks. But if not, the war might spread.The U.S. and allies might give more aid to Lebanon if it controls armed groups. This follows UN Resolution 1701, which calls for disarming militias.Challenges AheadLebanon faces big challenges. The government must build trust and fix the economy. Salam's background in law and diplomacy could help, but politics in Lebanon are divided by sects.Some worry the ban is just words. Hezbollah has ignored similar calls before. The army has started disarmament south of Litani, but north is harder.Humanitarian needs are urgent. Aid groups report shortages of food and medicine in affected areas. The world must help to prevent a bigger crisis.ConclusionPrime Minister Nawaf Salam's ban on Hezbollah's military activities is a brave step toward peace and state control in Lebanon. It comes at a tense time, with the Iran-Israel war raging. While reactions are mixed, many hope it leads to stability.Lebanon has a long history of conflict, but leaders like Salam offer hope. The coming days will show if this decision brings calm or more trouble. The world is watching closely as the Middle East seeks a way out of violence.