Lebanon confirms definitive veto on Hezbollah’s armed actions

The President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, stated this Tuesday (3) that the government’s decision to ban Hezbollah’s military and security activities is definitive and is the result of a sovereign choice by the Lebanese State. According to him, the measure will not be reviewed, even given the increase in tensions on the border with Israel.

The statements were made one day after the government officially announced that it considers Hezbollah’s armed actions illegal, demanding that the group hand over its arsenal. The decision marks a historic turning point in the country’s security policy, where the militia has acted as a parallel armed force for more than four decades, with support from Iran.

Commenting on the rocket launch that took place the day before towards Israeli territory, Aoun stated that the shots did not come from the region south of the Litani River, an area where the Lebanese Army maintains presence and operational control. According to the president, the observation reinforces the need to expand the reach of state forces to prevent cross-border attacks.

With the new directive, the government determined that the Armed Forces act to prevent offensives against Israel and begin the seizure of weapons outside the control of the State. The order increases the risk of direct clashes with Hezbollah, considered one of the best-equipped armed groups in the region.

The decision was announced shortly after an attack attributed to the group against Israel and comes amid intensifying international pressure for Lebanon to regain its monopoly on the use of force in its territory. Israeli authorities have publicly defended the disarmament of the militia, while warning of retaliation in the event of further attacks.

Despite the potential for escalation, Aoun maintained that the government is committed to restoring state authority and preventing the country from being drawn into a wider regional conflict.