Lebanon's PM condemns rocket fire from south as 'irresponsible,' vows to prevent escalation

2026-03-02 - 03:22

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam issued a strong condemnation Monday of rocket and drone launches from southern Lebanon, describing the attacks as "irresponsible and suspicious acts" that endanger the country's security and stability. Salam warned that such actions give Israel pretexts to continue its aggression against Lebanese territory, emphasizing that authorities will take all necessary measures to identify those responsible and protect the Lebanese people. Government Position and Sovereignty "We will not allow the country to be dragged into new adventures," Salam declared, signaling his administration's determination to maintain control over Lebanon's security decisions. The prime minister's remarks came after Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching projectiles toward northern Israel, specifically targeting an Israeli missile defense system installation near Haifa. The incident threatens to unravel the fragile November 2025 ceasefire agreement that ended months of cross-border hostilities. Regional Implications The rocket fire represents a significant test for Lebanon's new government and its ability to enforce UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which mandates that the area south of the Litani River remain free of armed personnel and weapons except for Lebanese state forces. Israel has repeatedly warned it would hold the Lebanese state responsible for any attacks emanating from its territory. The escalation comes at a particularly sensitive moment, with regional tensions already heightened over the situation in Gaza and ongoing US-Iran nuclear negotiations.