Hezbollah’s leader Naim Qassem has affirmed the group’s commitment to ending Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, highlighting military readiness despite a ceasefire. He reiterated the need for Hezbollah’s arms in confronting perceived threats from Israel. Despite a ceasefire agreement in November 2024, incidents of violence continue to occur, emphasizing ongoing tensions in the region.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has reiterated the group’s commitment to eradicating any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, emphasizing Hezbollah’s ongoing strength for the nation’s defense. In a televised interview with al-Manar TV, Qassem highlighted that while operations were paused during a ceasefire, Hezbollah retained its military readiness. He stated, “Over the past 60 days, Israel has committed numerous violations. The agreement clearly stipulates that Israel must retreat beyond the Litani River.”
In matters of national stability, Qassem affirmed Hezbollah’s support for the governance of internal security forces, as reported by Xinhua news agency. However, he asserted the importance of Hezbollah’s armament, claiming, “Israel poses an existential threat, and resistance is Lebanon’s right.” Qassem discussed Lebanon’s reconstruction efforts, claiming that rebuilding war-torn areas remains a state responsibility, while also declaring that the resistance would endure as long as Israeli threats persist.
The ceasefire agreement, established on November 27, 2024, effectively halted extensive hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, which included a comprehensive two-month war characterized by Israeli ground troop involvement. This agreement required the Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days; nonetheless, Israel has continued to maintain a presence in five strategic locations along the border, citing threats from Hezbollah.
Recent reports indicate that a Lebanese soldier and a civilian were injured by Israeli gunfire near Kafr Kila village in southern Lebanon. The state-run National News Agency (NNA) noted that the fire was directed near the Fatima Gate, injuring a Lebanese army soldier, while the Health Ministry confirmed the critical injury of a civilian.
Additionally, the NNA reported an incident in the border village of Blida, where an explosive device detonated, injuring an individual collecting scrap metal. This individual was subsequently transported to a hospital in Nabatieh, with a status update indicating stability in his condition. Despite the US- and French-brokered ceasefire established in late November 2024, which aimed to conclude the hostilities initiated by the Gaza Strip conflict, Israeli forces remain positioned in five key areas beyond the February 18 withdrawal deadline, continuing operations in Lebanon against perceived threats from Hezbollah.
Hezbollah maintains a strong stance against any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, vowing to defend the nation’s territory while emphasizing the importance of military readiness. Although a ceasefire agreement was established to halt hostilities, violations have persisted, highlighting ongoing tensions. The situation remains precarious, as wounded soldiers and civilians illustrate the conflicts’ human cost and emphasize the necessity for resolution and stability in the region. Reconstruction efforts have been called a state responsibility, underscoring the complex dynamics at play in Lebanon.
Original Source: ommcomnews.com
