The Lebanese government has announced that it has banned Hezbollah’s security activities declaring them illegal and demanding that the group hand over its weapons.
The announcement, which comes a day after Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel, represents a dramatic shift in the state’s policy. Hezbollah’s presence as a military group has been part of Lebanon’s landscape for more than 40 years.
The government also ordered the army to prevent attacks against Israel and begin confiscating weapons, a move that risks confrontation with the heavily armed militia.
In a statement, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the state declared its absolute rejection of any military actions launched from its territory and affirmed that “the decision of war and peace is in its hands, which necessitates banning the party’s activities and obliging it to surrender its weapons and commit to political work.”
The decision marks one of the clearest official positions taken by Beirut against the powerful armed group, which has long operated as both a political party and a military force within the country.
Hezbollah has for decades maintained a significant military wing alongside its political representation in parliament and government.
The group has justified its armed status as necessary for resisting external threats, particularly from Israel, and for defending Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The government’s declaration that Hezbollah’s security activities are illegal introduces a new level of confrontation in a country already grappling with economic collapse, institutional paralysis, and regional tensions.
By explicitly banning these activities, officials appear to be asserting the primacy of state institutions over any parallel security structures. The demand that Hezbollah hand over its weapons comes as part of efforts to consolidate state authority and ensure that all armed activity falls under the control of national institutions.
Lebanon’s political system is deeply shaped by sectarian power-sharing arrangements, and Hezbollah remains a key actor within that framework. As a political movement with strong support among segments of the Shiite population, it holds seats in parliament and has wielded influence in successive governments. Any attempt to disarm the group or restrict its activities is likely to reverberate across Lebanon’s complex political alliances and rivalries.
The government’s latest statement appears to align with calls for strengthening national sovereignty and unifying the chain of command under official state security institutions.
In recent years, Lebanon’s armed forces have sought to bolster their capacity and international partnerships, presenting themselves as the legitimate guardians of national security. The new move suggests an attempt to reinforce that narrative by drawing a firm legal line around security activities.
Also, the statement said that the government rejected and condemned the missile attack against Israel claimed by Hezbollah on Sunday, “which contradicts the principle that the decision of war and peace rests solely with the Lebanese state.” “The government asked the security services to implement what was stated to prevent any military operations and to arrest those who carry them out,” the government said.
Hezbollah’s Role Confined To Political Sphere
Moreover, Salam noted, “We prohibit Hezbollah’s military activities and confine its role to the political sphere, and we demand that the military institutions implement this.”
Salam reaffirmed the government’s commitment to a ceasefire reached with Israel in 2024 and to resuming negotiations.
It is unclear if the government can unilaterally ban the group without the approval of parliament, where Hezbollah and its allies have a number of seats.
The government did not provide immediate details on how the ban would be enforced or what mechanisms would be used to compel compliance. It remains unclear whether the announcement reflects a consensus among Lebanon’s major political factions or whether it may encounter resistance within the governing coalition itself. Implementation will likely depend on the balance of political will, security realities, and potential mediation efforts.
Reactions within Lebanon are expected to be mixed. Supporters of the government’s decision may view it as a necessary step toward restoring state authority and stabilizing the country after years of crisis. Others may see it as a risky escalation that could deepen internal divisions or provoke confrontation. Much will depend on Hezbollah’s response and whether channels for dialogue remain open.
Whether this declaration leads to tangible change on the ground or remains a political statement will hinge on the delicate interplay of law, power, and negotiation in one of the Middle East’s most fragile states.
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