Lebanon Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has declared all military and security activities by Hezbollah illegal, hours after Israel carried out air raids on Beirut’s southern suburbs in response to a cross-border attack.
Read More: Senior Hezbollah official among 10 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon
In a statement on Monday, Salam announced a ban on Hezbollah’s armed operations, restricting the Iran-allied group’s role to the political sphere. He said any military or security actions launched from Lebanese territory outside state institutions would not be tolerated and directed security forces to prevent further attacks.
Hezbollah had earlier claimed responsibility for a rocket and drone strike targeting a missile defence facility near Haifa, describing it as retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and in response to repeated Israeli actions.
#Lebanon’s government has banned military activities by #Hezbollah after it opened fire on Israel to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader – a move likely to fuel tension with the Tehran-backed group as it faced a new Israeli offensive.https://t.co/ZDUXQ8ZIMl
— Al Arabiya English (@AlArabiya_Eng) March 2, 2026
Israel responded with overnight air strikes on Beirut’s suburbs and parts of southern Lebanon, reportedly killing more than 30 people and injuring over 100, according to Lebanese state media. The Israeli military said one strike killed Hussein Makled, whom it identified as head of Hezbollah’s intelligence headquarters, accusing him of coordinating attacks against Israel.
Israel launches air strikes across Lebanon after around six rockets were fired toward northern Israel in the latest barrage, Israeli media reporthttps://t.co/2wK3oALBH1 pic.twitter.com/osFbF2ikKr
— TRT World (@trtworld) March 2, 2026
Hezbollah, which operates independently of the Lebanese government, has been significantly weakened since its 2024 war with Israel, during which many of its senior leaders were killed. Under mounting international pressure, Lebanese authorities have agreed to a phased disarmament plan for the group, though Hezbollah has resisted efforts to surrender weapons beyond areas south of the Litani River.
The renewed escalation has triggered large-scale displacement, with residents fleeing southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs amid fears of a widening conflict.
Read More: Hezbollah vows resistance after deadly Israeli strikes
Salam described Hezbollah’s attack as an “irresponsible” act that endangered Lebanon’s security, while the United States urged its citizens to leave the country, citing a volatile and unpredictable situation.