To counter the repercussions of a large-scale regional war, the Lebanese government, led by Nawaf Salam, adopted a series of decisive measures on Thursday aimed at ending the Iranian military and security presence in its territory. These decisions come at a historic moment for the region following Israeli-American attacks that targeted the heart of Iran and killed hundreds of Iranians.
Information Minister Paul Morcos said at a press conference on Thursday that the council had asked the relevant ministries and departments, particularly the Ministries of Defence, Interior and Municipalities, and other military and security agencies, to provide instructions to verify the presence of elements of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard in Lebanon.
The government also decided to ‘intervene firmly’ and immediately to prevent any security or military activity or action they may carry out from Lebanese territory, regardless of their status or the cover under which they operate, and to detain them under the supervision of the competent judiciary, in preparation for their deportation.
In a radical shift from policies that had been in place for years, the cabinet decided to reinstate entry visas for Iranian citizens. Minister Marqos stated that the aim was to ‘control the borders and prevent the use of Lebanese territory to implement agendas that undermine national security,’ a clear indication of the government’s desire to cut logistical ties with Tehran.
During the session, Salam responded firmly to accusations that his government was yielding to Israeli demands, stressing that ‘the greatest sin is not in restoring the sovereignty of the state, but in those who dragged Lebanon into devastating repercussions and wars that we could have done without,’ indirectly referring to Hezbollah and its responsibility for provoking international responses.
Members of the Lebanese Army walk as Hezbollah supporters attend a protest organised by them against what they said was a violation of national sovereignty, near Beirut International Airport, Lebanon, on 15 February 2025 – REUTERS/EMILIE MADI
These measures by the government come under enormous military pressure, as the decision was preceded by a direct 48-hour threat from the Israeli army to attack ‘representatives of the Iranian regime’ in Lebanon if they did not leave within 24 hours, prompting the government to take preventive measures to spare the country further attacks.
On Tuesday, Israeli forces also launched a ‘limited’ ground incursion in the south, coinciding with violent raids in the southern suburbs and Beirut that left dozens dead, leaving the state with only one option: to demonstrate its authority or face complete disintegration.
On Monday, the war expanded regionally to include Lebanon, after Israel and the United States launched a sustained attack on Iran on Saturday, leaving 1,230 dead, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
That day, Hezbollah attacked a military site in northern Israel in response to Israel’s continued attacks on Lebanon, despite the ceasefire agreement in force since November 2014, and its assassination of Khamenei.
On the same day, the Jewish state launched a new aggression against Lebanon, with air strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut and areas in the south and east of the country, resulting in 77 deaths, and then on Tuesday it launched a limited ground incursion.
For decades, Israel has occupied Palestine and territories in Lebanon and Syria, and refuses to withdraw from them and allow the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.