ATFL strongly condemns Hezbollah’s decision to enter the current regional conflagration following military strikes on Iran. By doing so, Hezbollah has, once again, exposed Lebanon to grave danger in direct violation of the state’s sovereign authority.
At this critical moment, we commend the leadership of the Lebanese government for speaking strongly with a unified voice and for their swift decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activities. This action represents an unprecedented assertion of state authority and a necessary step toward restoring Lebanon’s sovereignty. The government’s position must now be matched by disciplined follow-through that reflects its unified political will. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) must now ensure that this decision is implemented in a credible and sustained manner.
We also remain deeply concerned about the continued bombing and the civilian toll inside Lebanon. It is essential to underscore that the communities most at risk, especially in the south and predominantly Shi’a areas, are not responsible for the reckless decisions taken by Hezbollah’s leadership.
ATFL calls on the international community under the leadership of the US government to immediately prioritize and implement a recovery and reconstruction plan that addresses the needs and wellbeing of those most affected so they may be able to recover their homes and way of life. It is now time to show the Shi’a population and those most affected by this devastating war that they are an integral part of the nation and that they can count on the international community to help them rebuild their lives.
The priority now must be preventing Lebanon from descending into full-scale war, and to address the needs of those people most affected. This requires action by the Lebanese government, and a renewed commitment to strengthening Lebanese state institutions as the sole legitimate guarantor of national security.
Lebanon stands at a defining crossroads. ATFL reaffirms its unwavering support for a sovereign, stable, and unified Lebanon where decisions of war and peace belong to the state alone.