Lebanon PM Declares Policy to Ban Hezbollah’s Military Activities, Calls for State Authority

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on March 2, 2026, that the government will enforce a ban on Hezbollah’s military operations, marking a significant policy shift amid rising regional instability. The decision comes after Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, following the group’s missile and drone attacks linked to the fallout from Iran’s leadership crisis.

Salam emphasized that Hezbollah must hand over its weapons to the state, reinforcing Lebanon’s sovereignty and distancing the country from the escalating Iran–Israel conflict. International voices, including France’s Foreign Minister, have urged Lebanon to avoid being drawn deeper into regional hostilities.

Key Highlights

• Announcement: PM Nawaf Salam bans Hezbollah’s military activities
• Weapons Demand: Hezbollah urged to surrender arms to the state
• Trigger: Israeli strikes on Hezbollah sites after cross-border attacks
• Regional Context: Escalation following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader
• International Appeal: France calls for Lebanon to be spared from conflict
• Strategic Aim: Preserve Lebanon’s stability and sovereignty amid regional tensions

This development underscores Lebanon’s attempt to assert state authority while navigating one of the most volatile geopolitical crises in the Middle East.

Sources: France 24, Al Arabiya English, News18