Hezbollah Rejects Israel-Lebanon Agreement as Israel Prepares for Possible Escalation

Hezbollah Rejects Washington Agreement

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem strongly condemned the framework agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon in Washington, describing it as a humiliating deal that undermines Lebanon's sovereignty. He insisted the agreement should be replaced by the recent Iran-US memorandum of understanding and rejected any effort to link Israel's future withdrawal from southern Lebanon to Hezbollah's disarmament.

Qassem accused Lebanon's leadership of making what he called a "grave mistake" by accepting terms that temporarily leave Israeli forces in parts of southern Lebanon until the Lebanese Armed Forces assume control and Hezbollah's military infrastructure is removed.

Israel Preparing for Possible Hezbollah Attack

According to Israeli media reports, defense officials believe Hezbollah could attempt attacks against Israeli forces or civilian communities in an effort to sabotage the new agreement.

An Israeli defense official warned that any Hezbollah aggression would trigger a severe military response, emphasizing that Israel is fully prepared for possible escalation.

Hezbollah Allies Escalate Their Rhetoric

Hezbollah's political allies also denounced the agreement. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly described it as "incitement to civil war," while Hezbollah lawmaker Mohammad Raad accused the Lebanese government of submitting to American pressure and cooperating with Israel.

Hezbollah's Lawyers' Association claimed the agreement violates Lebanon's constitution, objecting to language recognizing the right of both states to live in peace and opposing provisions allowing Israeli forces to remain temporarily in southern Lebanon during the security transition.

Iran-Backed Allies Join the Threats

Iran-backed Houthi officials in Yemen also criticized the agreement, warning it could lead either to civil conflict inside Lebanon or continued confrontation with Israel. Hezbollah supporters demonstrated in Beirut following the announcement, calling the agreement a humiliation.

Not all Lebanese political leaders opposed the deal. Kataeb Party leader Samy Gemayel welcomed the agreement, praising Lebanon's government and the United States for advancing what he described as a path toward peace and greater stability.

Security Outlook

The agreement is intended to create a pathway toward a broader peace arrangement between Israel and Lebanon. It includes a phased transfer of security responsibilities in parts of southern Lebanon to the Lebanese military while advancing efforts to dismantle Hezbollah's military presence near Israel's northern border.

With Hezbollah openly rejecting the agreement and Israeli security officials warning of possible attacks, tensions along the northern border remain high as both sides prepare for the possibility of renewed confrontation.