Is Lebanon's Sovereignty at Risk Due to Hamas?

Beirut, May 3 (NationPress) Lebanon's Supreme Defence Council has issued a critical recommendation to the government, cautioning Hamas against undertaking any actions that could jeopardize the nation's sovereignty and national security. This warning was issued following a council meeting led by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, which included Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Cabinet Ministers, and high-ranking military and security officials, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

In a statement released post-meeting, Mohammad Al-Mustafa, the Secretary-General of the Council, indicated that they resolved to present a recommendation to the Cabinet that features a stern warning to Hamas against utilizing Lebanese territory for any actions that could threaten Lebanese national security. The council emphasized that the most stringent measures will be taken to halt any violations of Lebanese sovereignty.

Earlier, on April 20, the Lebanese Army reported thwarting an attempt to launch rockets from southern Lebanon targeting northern Israel. This incident transpired shortly after the arrest of several Lebanese and Palestinian individuals who were accused of launching rockets on March 22 and 28 towards northern Israel—attacks that were denied by Hezbollah and remain unclaimed by any group.

During the meeting, President Aoun highlighted the critical importance of maintaining security, stability, and the assertion of state authority. He underscored a zero tolerance policy for transforming Lebanon into a destabilization platform. He acknowledged the significance of the Palestinian cause but insisted that Lebanon should not be pulled into wars or exposed to unnecessary threats.

In light of ongoing security developments in Syria, Aoun reiterated the need to mitigate any potential repercussions that could adversely affect Lebanon's internal stability or exacerbate the Syrian refugee crisis.

Prime Minister Salam reiterated the urgent need to surrender all illegal weapons in accordance with the National Accord Document and the government’s ministerial statement, emphasizing the necessity of preventing Hamas or any other factions from undermining Lebanon's national and security interests. He affirmed that the integrity of Lebanese territory is of utmost importance while reiterating Lebanon's support for the Palestinian people's right to self-determination in accordance with international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Despite a ceasefire established in November to end over a year of hostilities with Hezbollah, Israel has continued to strike Lebanon. Under this agreement, Hezbollah was to withdraw north of the Litani River and dismantle military installations south of it, while Israel was to withdraw from southern Lebanon but has maintained troops in five positions it deems strategic.