Hezbollah Rejects Ceasefire, Demands Complete Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected any ceasefire or normalization with Israel, insisting that Israeli forces must leave all Lebanese territory without conditions. The statement comes as fighting continues despite a U.S.- and Iran-backed memorandum of understanding aimed at halting hostilities across multiple fronts.
Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem declared that Israel must withdraw completely from Lebanon, saying there is no alternative to a full and unconditional Israeli departure. Speaking in a televised address, Qassem said Hezbollah would not accept any form of normalization or easing of hostilities with Israel.
"Israel has no choice but to withdraw completely from Lebanese territory," Qassem said, adding that Hezbollah would not tolerate any Israeli presence or political gains inside Lebanon.
Qassem also claimed that Israel would ultimately be forced to leave Lebanon in defeat.
The remarks come even though the United States and Iran reached a memorandum of understanding (MOU) last week intended to halt fighting across multiple fronts, including Lebanon. Despite that framework, clashes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah terrorist organization have continued.
Iran Links Diplomacy to Fighting in Lebanon
Iran has continued to condemn Israel and insists that Israeli military operations in Lebanon must end before follow-up negotiations related to the MOU and Tehran's nuclear program can move forward.
Conflicting Reports on Israeli Withdrawal
Reuters reported, citing a U.S. official, that Israeli forces had withdrawn from parts of the security buffer zone in southern Lebanon. However, both Israeli and Lebanese officials denied that such a withdrawal had taken place.
Israel and the Lebanese government have reportedly discussed a U.S.-backed proposal to establish pilot areas where territory currently held by Israeli forces would be transferred to the Lebanese Armed Forces. However, little progress has been made.
Hezbollah Continues to Oppose Any Peace Agreement
Hezbollah, which operates independently of the Lebanese government and is backed by Iran, has consistently rejected any peace arrangement between Israel and Lebanon. Israel maintains that its military operations are necessary to defend its citizens and eliminate Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure along the northern border.
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