On-Site Coverage: Israeli Airstrikes in Lebanon, Lebanese Government Announces Ban on Hezbollah Military Activities

On the third day of the U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran, Hezbollah announced that in response to the assassination of Iranian Supreme Leader Khamenei, it launched a "large number of rockets and drones" at Israel from the night of March 1 to the early morning of March 2. The Israel Defense Forces subsequently carried out a series of intense airstrikes on Lebanon, escalating to strikes against Hezbollah targets throughout Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Katz stated on X that Hezbollah would "pay a heavy price for its attacks on Israel."

Reporter Yang Yuan: Israeli Defense Minister Katz threatened that Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem is now a "target that must be eliminated." Regarding the events of the 2nd, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah. After a lengthy discussion at the presidential palace, the Lebanese cabinet decided to announce a complete ban on "all military activities of Hezbollah" and any attacks launched from Lebanese territory. Prime Minister Salam stated after the meeting that "Hezbollah must hand over its weapons," and called on security forces to prevent Hezbollah militants from taking any military action and to arrest violators.

The Lebanese cabinet issued a statement after the meeting reiterating its position of "not getting involved in regional conflicts," urging increased diplomatic efforts to promote a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, and demanding that Israel make a clear commitment to stop attacks on Lebanese territory. The Lebanese government also tasked the Foreign Ministry with expanding contact with the international community to curb Israeli "aggression."

Latest statistics released by Lebanese officials show that as of the 2nd local time, Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon have resulted in at least 52 deaths and 154 injuries. Previously, data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health's emergency operations center indicated that the airstrikes had caused 31 deaths and 149 injuries. According to the government's disaster management department, explosions in southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as in the southern suburbs of Beirut, have also displaced over 28,500 people. (Reporter Yang Yuan, Wang Yin)