Lebanese Prime Minister bans Hezbollah military operations following Israeli airstrikes on Beirut

PM Nawaf Salam declares Hezbollah’s military wing illegal and restricts the group to politics following deadly Israeli airstrikes on Beirut.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 2, 2026, 8:24 AM EST

Government Mandate on Hezbollah

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a definitive ban on Hezbollah’s military wings on Monday, asserting that the state must maintain a monopoly on the use of force. The Prime Minister’s office characterized recent operations launched from Lebanese soil as irresponsible acts that jeopardize national safety and provide a pretext for continued foreign aggression. Under the new decree, Hezbollah is required to surrender its weapons and confine its presence to the constitutional and legal frameworks of the political sphere.

Escalation and Casualties in Beirut

The government’s announcement coincided with a sharp escalation in violence as Israel launched heavy air raids on southern Beirut. These strikes were in direct response to Hezbollah's launch of rockets and drones toward Israeli territory, which the group claimed was a retaliatory act for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency, the resulting bombardment of the capital killed at least 31 people and left 149 others injured.

Stalled Disarmament Protocols

The ban comes amid long-standing international pressure to dismantle Hezbollah's independent military infrastructure. While the Lebanese government had previously initiated a five-stage disarmament plan, progress has been slow. The first phase, covering territory between the Litani River and the southern border, was reportedly completed in January. However, the second phase, targeting the area between the Litani and Awali rivers, remains incomplete, with military officials estimating at least four additional months are required for total implementation.