Israel says Lebanon’s Hezbollah ban is political maneuver, prepares military response: The details

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Mariella Succar

Israel on Monday described Lebanon’s recent government decision to immediately ban Hezbollah’s security and military activities, and to require the group to hand over its weapons, as a political maneuver aimed at pressuring the United States and Israel to halt strikes on Lebanon.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had warned ahead of a government meeting in Beirut that attacks could be expanded and intensified, with Hezbollah secretary-general Naim Qassem listed as a potential target for the Israeli Air Force.

The meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and attended by Katz, focused on evaluating the situation following rocket and drone launches from Lebanon toward northern Israel.

Security and military authorities in Israel called for implementing plans prepared by the army for the Lebanese front, including possible ground incursions and airstrikes aimed at neutralizing threats, even if such operations target Lebanese state infrastructure.

Meanwhile, Israel’s governing party leader, Avigdor Lieberman, urged taking advantage of what he called a rare opportunity to strike Hezbollah decisively.

The Israeli army has reinforced forces along the northern border, deploying additional units as northern command strengthens security along the Lebanese frontier. Officials emphasized that there are no current plans to evacuate residents in the north, despite the heightened military readiness.

The measures come amid broader Israeli military preparations to counter threats from Iran, including ballistic missiles that have targeted central Israel, particularly Tel Aviv and its southern areas, with the potential for escalation along the northern front.