Bangladesh, March 2 -- Lebanon has taken a dramatic and potentially historic step in its internal security policy by formally banning the military and security activities of Hezbollah, marking a major shift in the countrys long-standing approach toward the powerful Iranian-backed armed group.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on March 2, that the government has ordered Hezbollah to surrender its weapons to the state, declaring that all armed operations conducted outside official state structures are now illegal. The Lebanese premier confirmed that the Lebanese Army would begin implementing a comprehensive disarmament plan immediately.

The move comes amid rising regional tensions and follows an overnight missile strike into northern I...