Lebanon army makes plea for ‘unity’ after Nasrallah’s killing

Beirut, Lebanon—Lebanon’s army on Sunday warned Lebanese against actions that would disturb public order in the crisis-hit country after Israel’s killing of Hassan Nasrallah, leader of the powerful Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

The army in a statement said that it “calls on citizens to preserve national unity and not to be drawn into actions that may affect civil peace at this dangerous and delicate stage” following the massive Friday strike that killed Nasrallah and as Israeli attacks continue.

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“The Israeli enemy is working to implement its destructive plans and sow division among Lebanese,” the army statement added.

Tiny Lebanon has long been divided along sectarian lines which had contributed to a devastating civil war in 1975-1990.

Hezbollah, the Shiite Muslim movement that wields great power in Lebanon’s south and whose military might is widely believed to dwarf Lebanon’s national armed forces, has drawn criticism from some Lebanese politicians over its decision to open a “support front” against Israel over the Gaza war nearly a year ago.

A Lebanese army official told Agence France Presse (AFP) troops had been deployed since Saturday in Beirut, where thousands have sought refuge from intense Israeli raids on Lebanon’s south, east and Hezbollah’s south Beirut bastion.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged Lebanese “to come together” to preserve civil order.

“Our national responsibility at this historic and exceptional moment requires setting aside political differences,” he said on Saturday, after cutting short a New York visit to attend the United Nations General Assembly.

United Nations special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert also called for unity in a statement on X on Sunday.

“At this critical moment for Lebanon when uncertainty is rife, now is the time for the country to focus on the common interest that unites its people,” she said.

Hezbollah has been exchanging cross-border fire with Israel in support of ally Hamas after the Palestinian militant group’s unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza.

But this week, Israel shifted the focus of its operation from Gaza to Lebanon, where heavy bombing since Monday has killed hundreds of people and displaced tens of thousands.