BEIRUT, May 2 -- Lebanon's top military authority has issued a stern warning to Hamas, vowing the "harshest measures" if the group attempts to launch any attacks from Lebanese soil.

The Higher Defence Council's statement on Friday followed the recent arrest of several Lebanese and Palestinian individuals accused of firing rockets into northern Israel, according to AP.

"Hamas and other factions will not be allowed to endanger national stability," the council declared. "The safety of Lebanon's territories is above all."

Brig Gen Mohammed al-Mustafa, reading the statement, added, "The harshest measures will be taken to put a complete end to any act that infringes on Lebanon's sovereignty."

There was no immediate response from Hamas offic...