The Lebanese Army warns of "unmeasured movements" threatening security after rallies by Hezbollah supporters

The Lebanese Army issued a stern warning today, Saturday, August 9, against any "unmeasured movements" that could jeopardize the country's security, following the emergence of supporters of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement in protest rallies for the third consecutive night, which witnessed clashes and condemnation of the decision to restrict arms to the state.

The army confirmed in its statement that it "respects freedom of opinion," but will not tolerate "any disruption of security or civil peace," emphasizing the prevention of road blockages or encroachments on public and private property. It called on citizens and all parties to "act responsibly during this difficult phase."

Hundreds of supporters of Hezbollah and the Amal Movement had taken to the streets in the city of Nabatieh and surrounding areas, using cars and motorcycles, carrying the flags of the party, the movement, and Iran, according to the Lebanese National News Agency. Protesters spread across the main streets, raising slogans in support of the party and opposing the government decision.

The town of Ghazieh in the Zahrani district (south Lebanon) also witnessed similar movements, where young men rode motorcycles chanting slogans rejecting the decision to restrict arms. In other areas, protesters blocked main roads, including the Zahle and Chtaura roads in the Bekaa, and the Baabda Hazmieh road in Mount Lebanon.

Media sources reported that the Lebanese Army arrested a number of participants in the rallies after they reached the center of the capital, Beirut.

This comes after the Lebanese Cabinet approved last Thursday the "objectives" of the American paper presented by envoy Tom Barak, which relates to enhancing the ceasefire agreement with Israel. The decision included restricting arms to the state, including Hezbollah's weapons, with the army tasked with developing an implementation plan before the end of 2025.

Hezbollah described the government decision in a statement on Wednesday as a "great sin," asserting that it will "ignore" any attempt to disarm it, considering the decision serves the "American agenda."