Lebanon’s government has banned military activities by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah and ordered it to hand over its weapons to the state The decision by the Lebanese Cabinet came days after the United States and Israel initiated a war against Iran on February 28, and followed a barrage of missiles launched by Hezbollah toward northern Israel Hezbollah's attack was a response to the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei
Hezbollah's actions have drawn a punishing retaliatory campaign from Israel, which analysts warn could weaken the Lebanese government and potentially lead to sectarian strife In an effort to de-escalate, the government has instructed its army to “prevent any attacks originating from Lebanese territory” and declared its commitment to a 2024 ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel
Enforcing the ban on Hezbollah has proven difficult for the government as it attempts to contain the political fallout and reassert state authority amidst the ongoing Israeli bombardment The situation highlights the precarious position of the Lebanese state, caught between the powerful non-state actor in its territory and a widening regional conflict
Yasir Rai
