Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared that Lebanon is prohibiting any independent military activity by Hezbollah, in a move aimed at reasserting state authority over armed factions operating within its borders.

Hezbollah responded with open defiance, stating: “Even if the skies fall, we will not abandon our weapons,” making clear it has no intention of complying with the government’s directive.

The announcement represents one of the most direct public confrontations between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah in years. While successive governments have pledged to consolidate arms under state control, enforcement has long been hindered by Hezbollah’s entrenched political influence and its independent military structure backed by Iran.