Lebanon’s Justice Minister, Adel Nasser, sharply condemned Hezbollah’s unilateral military actions against Israel, saying the militia’s moves threaten the country’s sovereignty and risk dragging the small nation into a wider regional conflict.

In an interview with CNN, Nasser outlined the government’s longstanding position: the State alone should control military power.

“After years of Hezbollah building up its military infrastructure, this government took office a year ago and made it clear in our official declaration that only the State should hold a monopoly on force. That’s a basic requirement for building a real State,” he said.

Nasser noted that the government had secured parliamentary approval for this position, including support from lawmakers with ties to Hezbollah.

He criticized the group for undermining the State’s authority.

“When Hezbollah refused to cooperate, it created pretexts for Israel to strike inside Lebanon. And when they launched rockets at Israel on their own, they gave Israel an excuse to escalate into a full-scale war,” Nasser said.

Framing the issue as one of national sovereignty, he added:

“For Lebanon to negotiate or defend itself diplomatically, we have to control the decision over war and peace. The State must hold the monopoly on force. This is essential for the sake of Lebanon and for the benefit of all its people.”

Nasser also addressed his previous call to arrest and prosecute Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem, a step the cabinet ultimately did not take.

“The government’s decision to maintain a monopoly on force is final. The army has already begun the process, and we will continue step by step to achieve the proper outcome—not to serve any foreign power, but to build our own State,” he said.

When asked about reports that Hezbollah members arrested while transporting weapons were fined and released, Nasser emphasized the importance of the rule of law.

“I’m not going to comment on the ruling in the media. But what’s clear is that no one can still claim membership in Hezbollah as a justification to possess or move weapons,” he said.

On his personal safety, Nasser said he remains committed to defending the authority of the State, despite Hezbollah’s reputation for targeting opponents.

“When you hold a position like mine, you have to stand up for what you believe is right in the interest of the State. Right now, Hezbollah is acting as if it wants to be on the front lines in a regional conflict between Israel and the U.S. on one side, and Iran on the other. Meanwhile, the interest of Lebanon and its people is to stay out of these regional wars,” he said.

Nasser warned that Hezbollah’s actions put Lebanese citizens at risk and could trigger Israeli retaliation, citing recent comments from Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich threatening southern Beirut’s Dahiya district.

“I’m definitely worried and concerned. But the government’s position is clear: no military activity outside the State will be tolerated. That’s our firm commitment,” he said.

“Our duty is to protect our people. Any diplomatic action Lebanon takes must be backed by full control over the decisions to go to war or make peace. That authority belongs to the government, not to a group acting unilaterally without regard for the country’s interests,” Nasser added.