Beirut: Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem announced on Friday that the group would work closely with the Lebanese army to ensure the implementation of a ceasefire agreement with Israel. This marked his first public statement since the truce took effect on Wednesday, following over a year of hostilities that devastated parts of Lebanon and claimed 4,000 lives, including hundreds of women and children.
Qassem emphasized that Hezbollah approved the ceasefire “with heads held high” and the resistance “strong in the battlefield,” affirming the group’s right to self-defense.
Ceasefire Terms and Deployment Challenges
The agreement mandates Hezbollah’s withdrawal from areas south of the Litani River, about 30 kilometers north of the Israeli border, with the Lebanese army taking control of the region as Israeli forces gradually retreat.
“There will be high-level coordination between the Resistance (Hezbollah) and the Lebanese army to implement the commitments of the deal,” Qassem stated.
The Lebanese army has begun sending reinforcements to the south and is drafting a detailed deployment plan for approval by the Lebanese cabinet. However, challenges remain as Israeli troops, granted 60 days to withdraw, continue to operate in Lebanese territory.
Tensions Over Ceasefire Violations
Israeli military actions in border villages, including firing at returning residents and an airstrike above the Litani River on Thursday, have drawn accusations of ceasefire violations from both the Lebanese army and Hezbollah. Israel claims these measures are necessary to enforce the truce and ensure security.
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“Divine Victory”
Qassem hailed Hezbollah’s actions as a “divine victory” greater than the one declared after the 2006 conflict with Israel.
“To those that were betting that Hezbollah would be weakened, we are sorry, their bets have failed,” he said, reinforcing the group’s resolve and resilience.
