• Lebanon's military council warns Hamas not to conduct operations from its territory.
• Rocket attacks from Lebanon have led to intense Israeli airstrikes.
• Lebanese authorities are enforcing control after the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
• The Higher Defense Council labels national stability as paramount.
• President Joseph Aoun emphasizes that Lebanon should not be a base for instability.

Lebanese authorities have issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating that any attacks launched from Lebanese territory will incur the “harshest measures.” This was released by the Higher Defense Council, Lebanon's top military body, amidst heightened tensions following recent rocket fire directed at Israel, leading to significant retaliatory strikes. The council underscored that “the safety of Lebanon’s territories is above all,” reinforcing their commitment to national security, according to africanews, aljazeera, and latimes.

This warning follows the detentions of multiple individuals, including both Lebanese and Palestinians, on suspicion of having fired rockets from Lebanon into northern Israel. The Lebanese authorities are keen on establishing their control and ensuring that no faction, including Hamas, jeopardizes the nation's stability, as stated by Brig. Gen. Mohammed al-Mustafa during the council's meeting, which included senior officials from the government, according to africanews and latimes.

President Joseph Aoun reiterated the importance of not allowing Lebanon to become a “launchpad for instability” or to be drawn into unnecessary conflicts. This aligns with rising pressure from the United States for Lebanon to disarm groups like Hezbollah that operate outside the control of the state. The ongoing tensions are compounded by Israel's persistent airstrikes that violate the U.S.-brokered ceasefire established in late November 2024, resulting in dozens of casualties, according to aljazeera and latimes.

Since the initiation of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Hamas has been implicated in several attacks originating from Lebanon. Subsequently, Israel has launched airstrikes targeting Hamas leaders, further escalating the situation. The Higher Defense Council now seeks to enforce stricter measures against any factions that undermine its authority, as reported by africanews and aljazeera.