Hezbollah Stresses Right to Address Israeli Occupation
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Synopsis
Hezbollah's Naim Qassem emphasizes the group's commitment to resisting Israeli occupation in southern Lebanon, declaring that all deadlines for withdrawal have passed. He insists on Lebanon’s unified stance against aggression, while Prime Minister Mikati highlights Israel's failure to comply with ceasefire obligations.
Key Takeaways
- Hezbollah insists on immediate Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
- Lebanon's leadership supports the people's resistance against occupation.
- Over 1,350 Israeli violations reported since ceasefire.
- Lebanon claims to have met all ceasefire obligations.
- Hezbollah remains prepared for any potential escalation.
Beirut, Jan 28 (NationPress) Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem reiterated the organization's position regarding Israel's exit from southern Lebanon, indicating that the timeline has elapsed, and no further extensions will be accepted.
"Any postponement of the withdrawal falls on the UN and the nations that sponsor it," he stated in a televised address, underscoring Hezbollah's entitlement to take action against ongoing occupation.
Qassem highlighted Lebanon's collective resistance against the Israeli presence, mentioning that President Joseph Aoun had directed the military to support the citizens advancing southward. "The occupation constitutes an assault on Lebanese sovereignty, and it is the duty of the citizens, army, state, and resistance to confront it," he asserted.
On the topic of the ceasefire agreement, Qassem disclosed that Israel had initiated talks via US mediators, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
"We agreed to the ceasefire as we do not desire conflict, but Israel's ongoing infractions, totaling over 1,350 violations, illustrate its aggressive tendencies," he remarked.
"The resistance is ready for any eventuality. Our patience is tactical, but our reaction will be resolute if provoked," he cautioned.
In parallel, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati stated that Lebanon has fulfilled its responsibilities under the ceasefire agreement, while Israel continues to delay its execution.
"Lebanon has adhered to its commitments, yet Israel continues to stall and breach UN Security Council Resolution 1701," Mikati expressed during a meeting with US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson and the head of a ceasefire monitoring committee, US General Jasper Jeffers.
Lebanon's caretaker government announced earlier in the day that it had sanctioned the extension of the ceasefire with Israel after the original 60-day truce lapsed at dawn Sunday without a full Israeli exit.
