Beirut: The leader of Lebanon’s Hezbollah movement declared on Sunday that Israeli forces must withdraw entirely from Lebanese territory by February 18, asserting that Israel has “no pretext” to maintain a military presence in any part of southern Lebanon.
Under a truce brokered by Washington in November, Israeli troops were initially given 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, where they had been engaged in a ground offensive against Hezbollah fighters since early October. The deadline was later extended to February 18. However, as per a Reuters report, sources said last week that Israel’s military had requested to retain control over five positions in southern Lebanon.
In a recorded televised address, Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem stated: “Israel must withdraw completely on Feb. 18, it has no pretext, no five points or other details… this is the agreement.” He emphasized that any Israeli military presence on Lebanese soil beyond that date would be regarded as an occupying force.
“Everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with,” Qassem added, though he did not explicitly state whether Hezbollah would resume attacks against Israel.
Meanwhile, Israel’s public broadcaster reported on Wednesday that the United States had authorized a “long-term” Israeli troop presence in southern Lebanon.
As Qassem’s speech aired, at least three Israeli airstrikes targeted Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. The Israeli military later stated that the strikes were carried out in response to Hezbollah activity at locations containing rocket launchers and other weapons.
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Qassem also urged the Lebanese government to reconsider its ban on Iranian flights landing in Beirut. Lebanese authorities had imposed the ban until February 18 following Israeli allegations that Iran was using civilian aircraft to smuggle cash into Beirut to support Hezbollah.
The ban left dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Iran after completing religious pilgrimages. While Lebanon arranged for two planes to repatriate them, Iran refused to allow the flights to land in Tehran.
On Saturday, Hezbollah organized a protest outside Beirut’s airport against the ban. Lebanese security forces used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.
Describing the flight ban as “the implementation of an Israeli order,” Qassem challenged the decision, stating, “Let the plane land and we will see what Israel will do.”
