The Lebanese government moved to curtail Hezbollah’s military activities on Monday, announcing an immediate ban on all security and military actions by the group outside the authority of the state, following a barrage of rockets fired by Hezbollah into northern Israel and subsequent Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon.
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, in a statement following a five-hour emergency cabinet session, said the Lebanese state “categorically rejects any military or security actions launched from its territory outside the framework of its legitimate institutions.” He affirmed that the authority to decide on war and peace rests solely with the state and announced the prohibition of all Hezbollah security and military activities, demanding the handover of its weapons to state authorities and a confinement of its role to political work within constitutional and legal frameworks.
The government instructed the Lebanese army to implement a plan to restrict weapons north of the Litani River, utilizing all necessary means. Security and military agencies were ordered to prevent the launch of rockets or drones from Lebanese territory and to arrest those responsible for violations. Beirut as well called on countries guaranteeing the ceasefire arrangement to secure a clear commitment from Israel to halt attacks across Lebanese territory, reaffirming its commitment to the terms of the agreement and expressing readiness to resume negotiations with civilian participation and international sponsorship.
The cabinet session began with a moment of silence for those killed in the latest Israeli strikes. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported at least 31 people killed and 149 wounded as of Monday evening. Israeli airstrikes continued in several areas, including the eastern Bekaa region, according to reports.
President Joseph Aoun questioned the rationale behind Hezbollah’s rocket launches, stating they were “neither in defense of Lebanon nor for the protection of its people.” He asked whether the launches deterred Israel or instead exposed the country to greater danger, asserting that those who launched the rockets bear responsibility for their actions, not the Lebanese population. Aoun underscored the need to keep Lebanon neutral and safeguard its citizens.
Hezbollah had earlier claimed responsibility for targeting the Mishmar HaCarmel site south of Haifa with rockets and drones, describing the attack as its first declared response since the start of what it called U.S.-Israeli aggression against Iran. The group characterized the operation as retaliation and legitimate self-defense amid ongoing Israeli strikes.
Israel responded with airstrikes on multiple locations in Beirut’s southern suburbs and southern Lebanon. Defense Minister Israel Katz said Hezbollah would pay a “heavy price” and declared that its Secretary General, Naim Qassem, had become a target. Katz added that he and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had instructed the military to act forcefully against Hezbollah although continuing efforts to cripple Iran’s capabilities.
Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir announced the launch of an offensive military campaign against Hezbollah, urging preparedness for days of fighting and stating Israeli forces had shifted from defensive to offensive operations.
The escalation follows a period of delicate truce between Israel and Hezbollah, prior to the recent hostilities. Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty said Cairo was closely monitoring the situation, describing it as a dangerous military escalation and reaffirming Egypt’s full support for Lebanon. During a phone call with Prime Minister Salam, Abdelatty stressed the importance of shielding Lebanon from further deterioration and called for an immediate halt to Israeli military operations, according to a statement from Egypt’s Foreign Ministry.
