BEIRUT (AP) — Lebanese authorities have issued a stern warning to the Hamas group, stating that it would encounter the "harshest measures" if any attacks were launched from Lebanon. This statement was made by the Higher Defense Council, Lebanon's most senior military authority, following the detention of several Lebanese and Palestinians suspected of launching rockets into northern Israel. The council emphasized that Hamas and other factions would not be tolerated in their efforts to jeopardize national stability. "The safety of Lebanon's territories is above all," it declared.
Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Mustafa read the statement, which outlined the consequences for any actions that might infringe upon Lebanon's sovereignty. In light of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which escalated in October 2023, Hamas has reportedly conducted various attacks against Israel from within Lebanese territory, where it maintains a military presence. Israel has responded with airstrikes that have resulted in the deaths of several Hamas officials, including senior military leader Saleh Arouri, who was killed in Beirut.
Amidst these tensions, Lebanese authorities are striving to reassert their control across the country, especially in the southern regions bordering Israel. This initiative comes in the aftermath of the 14-month conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which concluded with a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in late November. Last month, Lebanese authorities detained multiple individuals, including a number of Palestinians, connected to rocket attacks directed at Israel. These incidents preceded intense Israeli airstrikes on various locations in Lebanon. While Hezbollah denied involvement in the rocket firings at that time, the security climate in Lebanon remains fragile.
The Higher Defense Council's meeting included prominent figures such as the country’s president, prime minister, army commander, and heads of security services. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam emphasized that all "illegal weapons" must be surrendered to the state, highlighting the government’s effort to consolidate power and control over armed groups.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is set to visit Lebanon later this month, indicating diplomatic moves concerning the ongoing regional unrest. Despite the ceasefire implemented in November, Israel continues to conduct nearly daily airstrikes on Lebanese territory, resulting in casualties among both civilians and Hezbollah members. On Friday morning, an Israeli drone reportedly struck a gas station in the southern village of Houla, injuring five individuals. The day prior, Israeli forces announced the elimination of an official associated with Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force through a drone strike in southern Lebanon.
