In Landmark Move, Lebanon Bans Hezbollah's Military Activity After Rocket Fire at Israel - Middle East News
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced Monday that he is banning Hezbollah's military activity and limiting the group to political activity only.
The unprecedented decision by the Lebanese government followed overnight rocket fire by Hezbollah toward Israel.
Salam said his government rejects any military or security action launched from Lebanese territory that is not tied to the state's lawful institutions. He said he had instructed security forces to prevent any such attacks. Salam added that Lebanon remains committed to the declaration of a cessation of hostilities and to renewing negotiations.
Earlier, Salam condemned the rocket launches toward Israel, calling them a "reckless" act that endangers the country's security. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, head of the Shi'ite Amal party, also denounced the attack. He said he was "shocked by Hezbollah's actions" and made clear that he supports the government's decision.
At least 35 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon since overnight hours, the Health Ministry in Beirut said. The IDF began striking after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones toward Israel, which it described as retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
Residents in southern Lebanon and in Beirut's Dahiya suburb received phone calls urging them to evacuate, and schools in the capital and in northern Lebanon were opened to house displaced people. Saudi media reported that Hezbollah Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed Raad was killed in the strikes.
The IDF said it intercepted a missile and a drone launched from Lebanon after sirens sounded across northern Israel, and that another missile fell in an open area. In a moshav in the Galilee, two homes sustained light damage from debris following the interception of a drone.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the military has launched a campaign against Hezbollah and that Israel must prepare for "several days of fighting."