Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut
Beirut, May 3: Lebanon's Supreme Defence Council has formally urged the government to warn Hamas against any activities that could jeopardize the nation’s sovereignty and internal security, marking a significant move amid rising regional tensions.
The recommendation came after a high-level security meeting on Friday, chaired by President Joseph Aoun and attended by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, ministers, and top military and intelligence officials, according to Xinhua.
In a statement following the session, Council Secretary-General Mohammad Al-Mustafa said the body had advised the Cabinet to issue a clear warning to Hamas. The message: any use of Lebanese territory to conduct operations that threaten national security will trigger the "most stringent measures" to halt such violations of sovereignty.
The warning follows several recent rocket-launching attempts from southern Lebanon toward Israel. On April 20, the Lebanese Army reported it had thwarted a rocket attack from its southern border. This incident came on the heels of arrests made on April 16 of Lebanese and Palestinian suspects accused of involvement in rocket attacks on March 22 and 28—attacks no group has claimed and which Hezbollah has publicly denied.
During the meeting, President Aoun underscored Lebanon’s commitment to peace and stability. “Lebanon will not be turned into a launchpad for regional conflict,” he asserted, adding that while Lebanon continues to support the Palestinian cause, it must not be dragged into wars that risk national security.
Prime Minister Salam reinforced the stance, emphasizing the urgent need to eliminate illegal weapons in accordance with Lebanon’s National Accord Document. He stated unequivocally that “no faction, including Hamas, should be allowed to destabilize Lebanon,” and affirmed Lebanon’s commitment to the Palestinian right to self-determination—within the framework of international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.
President Aoun also warned of potential spillover from escalating violence in Syria, calling for proactive measures to prevent its impact on Lebanon’s internal stability, particularly amid ongoing pressures from the Syrian refugee crisis.
Meanwhile, tensions remain high along the southern border. Despite a ceasefire brokered in November to end prolonged conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Israeli forces have continued operations in Lebanese territory. The truce required Hezbollah to retreat north of the Litani River and dismantle positions to its south, while Israel was expected to withdraw from southern Lebanon—yet maintains troops in five strategic outposts.
As Lebanon tries to balance regional pressures with internal security, its leadership has signaled a clear red line: no compromise on sovereignty, no tolerance for provocations from any quarter.