By Noemí Jabois
Beirut (EFE).— Hezbollah openly challenged the Lebanese government on Thursday by projecting images of its late leader Hassan Nasrallah onto Beirut’s iconic Raouche Rocks, despite an official ban, during commemorations marking the first anniversary of his death.
Thousands of supporters flocked to the capital’s seafront, waving Hezbollah flags and chanting “At your service, Nasrallah” and “Death to Israel.”
Boats carrying flares and banners circled offshore as the crowd awaited the surprise projection of Nasrallah and senior figure Hashem Safi al-Din, both killed in last year’s war with Israel.
The display, staged at a site traditionally outside Hezbollah’s areas of influence, symbolized the group’s assertion of nationwide presence.
One rallying cry summed up the message: “We are present in every arena and will not lay down our weapons.”
Government condemns defiance
Prime Minister Nawaf Salam had earlier ordered authorities to block unauthorized use of public spaces and tourist landmarks.
Beirut’s governorate had granted Hezbollah a permit to gather near Raouche but explicitly banned projections on the rocks.
Following the display, Salam denounced the act as a “clear violation” of state orders.
“I have asked the ministers of Interior, Justice, and Defense to take appropriate measures, including arrests and investigations, so perpetrators are held accountable,” he said in a statement.
He warned the incident undermines the “credibility” of Hezbollah in dealing with state institutions but insisted it would not deter efforts to build “a state of law and institutions.”
Hezbollah rejects disarmament plan
The projection comes amid renewed government pressure to disarm Hezbollah.
Last month, the Lebanese cabinet tasked the army with drafting a plan to end the militia’s armed status by year-end, ensuring weapons are under state control.
Hezbollah has vowed to ignore the initiative, arguing it will not disarm as long as Israel poses a threat.
The anniversary commemorations, the first since Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike near Beirut on Sep. 27, 2024, are intended as a show of strength.
One attendee told EFE he had traveled from France to honor Nasrallah, calling him the “hero and master of resistance.”
He added: “You may have been killed, but your spirit remains with us, Sayyed Hassan.” EFE
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