Beirut: Hezbollah has instructed its members to confront the Lebanese army if it attempts to interfere with the group’s activities, according to a source familiar with the directive.
The source said the order clearly directs Hezbollah fighters to resist any attempt by Lebanese forces to dismantle militant positions or prevent rocket launches. The instruction reportedly reflects growing tensions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government amid escalating regional conflict.
Meanwhile, Lebanese authorities have recently taken several measures targeting Iranian nationals and members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) operating inside the country.
Lebanon tightens measures against Iranian presence
In recent weeks, Lebanon has introduced stricter policies affecting Iranian nationals and organizations linked to Tehran. Authorities announced that Iranian citizens must now obtain visas before entering the country.
Furthermore, the Lebanese government has officially designated the IRGC as an illegal organization. Officials have also expelled several senior Iranian figures from the country.
These steps followed pressure from Israel, which has repeatedly demanded that Lebanon curb Iranian influence and prevent IRGC-linked activities on Lebanese territory.
However, sources indicated that despite these moves, the Lebanese government has not taken significant direct action against Hezbollah itself.
Israeli strike targets IRGC commanders in Beirut
At the same time, Israel intensified military operations targeting Iranian-linked forces in Lebanon. On Sunday, Israeli forces carried out an air strike on a hotel in Beirut, killing five senior commanders from the IRGC’s Quds Force operating within the Lebanese Corps.
According to Israeli officials, the navy conducted the strike using intelligence provided by the Military Intelligence Directorate.
Israel described the operation as a significant blow to Iran’s presence in Lebanon and to Hezbollah’s military network.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts may soon intensify. United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon Joanna Wronecka is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday in an effort to help de-escalate the ongoing conflict.
