Lebanese army warns against unrest after Hezbollah protests

BEIRUT – The Lebanese army warned on Saturday that it would not tolerate any attempt to undermine public order or civil peace, a day after Hezbollah supporters staged protests in Beirut against the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel.

In a statement posted on X, the military stressed that while it respected the right to peaceful protest, it would act against any demonstrations that threatened security or damaged public order.

“The army command affirms that it will not tolerate any harm to security or civil peace through actions with unpredictable consequences, road blockages or damage to public and private property,” the statement said.

The army noted that Lebanon was facing "exceptional challenges" and urged citizens to "act responsibly" amid calls for demonstrations in Beirut and other parts of the country.

It also stressed the importance of "unity and solidarity in order to overcome the dangers threatening our country."

The warning followed protests on Friday night by Hezbollah supporters rejecting the framework agreement announced hours earlier by Lebanon, Israel and the United States in Washington.

According to Lebanon's National News Agency, dozens of Hezbollah supporters rode motorcycles through major streets in Beirut, particularly around parliament and the road leading to Beirut's international airport, while expressing opposition to the agreement.

Some demonstrators burned tyres and blocked at least one road before Lebanese soldiers intervened.

The army reinforced its deployment across several areas of the capital, establishing temporary checkpoints and increasing patrols to prevent the demonstrations from escalating.

The framework agreement provides for a phased Israeli withdrawal from parts of southern Lebanon while expanding the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces. However, it also allows Israeli troops to remain temporarily inside an expanded security zone until further provisions are implemented.

Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, maintaining its long-standing opposition to any direct arrangements between Beirut and Tel Aviv.

Earlier on Saturday, Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem denounced the accord as "a concession of sovereignty."

The Amal Movement, led by Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, also criticised the agreement, calling it "unbalanced" and arguing that it "entrenches realities in favour of the enemy at the expense of Lebanon's national interest" while carrying "political and sovereign risks."

At the same time, Berri appealed for restraint, warning against internal strife and urging Lebanese not to fall into sectarian confrontation that could ultimately benefit Israel.

The Assembly of Arab Tribes in Lebanon likewise warned against "sliding into chaos and internal division," reaffirming its support for the Lebanese state and its constitutional institutions.

The army's warning comes amid growing concern that political divisions over the agreement could spill onto the streets, reviving memories of Lebanon's past internal conflicts at a time when the country is attempting to stabilise its security situation after months of war.