Hezbollah Chief Calls for Total Israeli Exit from Lebanon
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Synopsis
Hezbollah's Naim Qassem insists that Israel must withdraw completely from Lebanon by February 18, with the Lebanese government urged to ensure compliance. Despite a ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes persist, raising tensions in the region.
Key Takeaways
- Hezbollah's demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal by February 18.
- Lebanese government urged to act for timely withdrawal.
- Previous delays in Israeli withdrawal faced rejection from Hezbollah.
- Ceasefire agreement remains despite ongoing airstrikes.
- Strategic locations in southern Lebanon remain a point of contention.
Beirut, Feb 17 (NationPress) Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated that Israel is required to fully withdraw from Lebanon by February 18 (Tuesday).
"Today marks the February 18 deadline, and the occupation forces must completely exit southern Lebanon. There should be no military positions or presence at all," Qassem declared during a televised address.
He emphasized that it is the duty of the Lebanese government to "make every effort" to guarantee that Israel withdraws as agreed upon, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Previously, Israel had delayed its complete withdrawal from Lebanon until February 18 after missing the initial deadline. The Israeli military also aimed to maintain control over five strategic locations in southern Lebanon beyond the deadline, a plan that was likewise opposed by Hezbollah.
"There are no five points and no further specifics... this is the agreement," Qassem asserted in his speech.
In the meantime, Israeli forces conducted airstrikes on Sunday night targeting regions in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa area.
According to Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA), warplanes executed two airstrikes on the outskirts of Harbata and a third on the town of Halbata, both situated in the northern Bekaa Valley in eastern Lebanon.
Additionally, Israeli warplanes launched an airstrike on Wadi al-Zayni, a town north of Sidon in southern Lebanon, as reported by NNA.
A ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and the Israeli military has been in effect since November 27, 2024, ending over a year of confrontations triggered by the Gaza conflict.
This agreement stipulates that Israel must withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, while the Lebanese army takes control along the border and in the south, ensuring no armed groups or weaponry are present south of the Litani River.
On January 27, Lebanon's caretaker government announced an extension of the ceasefire agreement until February 18, after the initial 60-day period elapsed without a full Israeli withdrawal.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces have continued to carry out strikes in Lebanon, citing security threats.
