Hezbollah Declares Commitment to Expel Israeli Forces from Lebanon
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Synopsis
On March 10, 2024, Hezbollah's Naim Qassem emphasized the group's resolve to eliminate any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon. He asserted Hezbollah's military readiness and the necessity of resistance against perceived threats from Israel, while also highlighting the importance of national governance and reconstruction efforts.
Key Takeaways
- Hezbollah's commitment to defending Lebanon against Israeli presence.
- Emphasis on military readiness during ceasefire agreements.
- Reinforcement of national stability and governance by Hezbollah.
- Ongoing Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement.
- Importance of reconstruction in war-affected areas of Lebanon.
Beirut, March 10 (NationPress) The Secretary General of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, has reiterated that the organization will not allow any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon, highlighting Hezbollah's persistent strength and commitment to the defense of Lebanon.
During a televised conversation with al-Manar TV, Qassem revealed that while Hezbollah had suspended its activities during the ceasefire agreement, it remained fully prepared for military action.
"In the last 60 days, Israel has perpetrated multiple violations. The agreement explicitly states that Israel must withdraw beyond the Litani River," he stated.
On internal issues, Qassem reaffirmed Hezbollah's commitment to national stability and governance, endorsing the exclusive authority of security forces over internal matters, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
Nonetheless, he insisted that Hezbollah's arsenal is vital for facing Israel. "Israel represents an existential threat, and resistance is Lebanon's right," he asserted.
Qassem also discussed the reconstruction of Lebanon, confirming that it is the state's duty to rebuild areas devastated by war. He stressed Hezbollah's ongoing involvement in political and military matters, declaring that "resistance" will continue as long as threats from Israel exist.
A truce agreement, finalized on November 27, 2024, effectively ended over a year of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which included a two-month full-scale war characterized by Israeli ground troop deployments.
This agreement required Israeli forces to pull back from southern Lebanon within 60 days; however, Israel has retained a presence in five strategic locations along the border, citing ongoing threats from Hezbollah.
In a recent incident, a Lebanese soldier and a civilian were injured by Israeli gunfire on Sunday near the northern entrance of Kafr Kila village in southern Lebanon, according to official Lebanese reports.
The state-run National News Agency (NNA) noted that Israeli forces opened fire near the Fatima Gate in Kafr Kila, injuring a member of the Lebanese army.
The Public Health Emergency Operations Center, linked to the Health Ministry, confirmed that a civilian was critically hurt by Israeli gunfire in Kafr Kila.
Additionally, the NNA reported another event in the border village of Blida, where a small explosive device detonated, injuring a citizen who was gathering scrap metal. The injured individual was transported to a hospital in Nabatieh, where his condition was stated to be stable.
Since the implementation of the US- and French-mediated ceasefire agreement on November 27, 2024, which concluded more than a year of confrontations between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, triggered by the conflict in the Gaza Strip, tensions remain.
Despite the agreement calling for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, Israeli troops continue to occupy five critical positions along the border, well past the February 18 deadline, while conducting operations in Lebanon, claiming they aim to neutralize "threats" from Hezbollah.
