Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem declared the group’s aim to remove Israeli presence from southern Lebanon during an interview. He emphasized military readiness and called for lawful enforcement of the ceasefire terms from November 2024. Despite the agreement for troop withdrawal, Israeli forces remain entrenched, citing ongoing threats. Recent incidents of violence further underline the fragile situation in Lebanon as Hezbollah insists on maintaining its defensive capabilities.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has reiterated the organization’s commitment to eradicating any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon. In a televised discussion with al-Manar TV, he highlighted Hezbollah’s operational pause during the ceasefire, while maintaining readiness for conflict. Qassem emphasized that Israel’s violations during this period necessitate Hezbollah’s vigilance, asserting Israel must retreat beyond the Litani River according to the agreed terms.
In regards to Lebanon’s domestic stability, Qassem stressed Hezbollah’s support for national governance and the authority of security agencies. Nevertheless, he affirmed that Hezbollah’s armament is necessary to confront the continued existential threats posed by Israel, stating, “resistance is Lebanon’s right.”
He also highlighted Hezbollah’s responsibility in aiding Lebanon’s reconstruction following conflicts, asserting that the state must lead these efforts. As long as Israeli aggression persists, he vowed that Hezbollah’s resistance activities would continue, reinforcing their role in both political and military dimensions.
The ceasefire agreement established on November 27, 2024, effectively halted extensive hostilities post a full-scale conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, mandating Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. However, Israeli forces continue to occupy five strategic locations along the border, citing the ongoing risks from Hezbollah as justification for their presence.
Recent incidents have surfaced, including an Israeli gunfire attack that wounded both a Lebanese soldier and a civilian near Kafr Kila village. Additional reports from the state-run National News Agency (NNA) confirm further injuries from explosive device detonations in border regions, illustrating the fragility of the ceasefire.
A ceasefire brokered by the US and France remains in effect since late November 2024, concluding over a year of violence linked to the broader conflict in Gaza. Despite provisions for full withdrawal, Israeli forces persist in occupation beyond agreed deadlines, citing defense against perceived Lebanese threats as their rationale.
Hezbollah has reaffirmed its commitment to ending Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, asserting its military readiness and the importance of resistance in the face of perceived threats. The ceasefire agreement from November 2024 aims to stabilize the region but has seen violations from both sides. The ongoing presence of Israeli troops contradicts the terms of the ceasefire, highlighting the enduring tensions in the area, necessitating closer attention to the situation and its implications for Lebanon’s security and governance.
Original Source: ommcomnews.com
