Hezbollah leader, Naim Qassem, has dismissed Israel’s plan to maintain a security zone in southern Lebanon, insisting that Israeli troops must withdraw from Lebanese territory.
His remarks came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israeli forces would remain in southern Lebanon for “as long as necessary” to safeguard Israel’s northern communities.
In a televised speech on Sunday, Qassem said Israeli troops had no place on Lebanese soil.
“Israeli troops ‘remaining on Lebanese land is impossible. There are no security zones for Israel… we have a national army which deploys, and it is responsible for preserving sovereignty, and it is who we cooperate with,’” Qassem said.
“Israel is an aggressor and must leave. America bears full responsibility,” Qassem said, adding that “Israel will not remain in Lebanon, even if it increases its crimes, and we will defend ourselves.”
Israeli forces entered southern Lebanon after fighting erupted on March 2 and have since operated within what Israel describes as a security zone extending roughly 12 kilometres into Lebanese territory along the border.
Reaffirming Israel’s position, Netanyahu said on Sunday, “we will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the cherished residents of the north and all the citizens of Israel… Nothing will alter that commitment.”
Israel’s defence minister also stated that troops had standing orders to respond to any threat encountered inside Lebanon.
Qassem’s comments came as the United States and Iran held talks in Switzerland following the signing of a preliminary agreement aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict, including hostilities in Lebanon.
Although recent Israeli strikes raised concerns over the future of the agreement, clashes in Lebanon have largely subsided since Saturday evening after Iran again shut the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon.
Addressing the possibility of a ceasefire, Qassem said: “Any ceasefire under the banner of a comprehensive cessation of hostilities, we have already committed to this if it happens, but we will not accept any violation. We will confront any violation… we will deal with it as we see fit.”
He also urged Lebanese officials to strengthen engagement with Iran.
“Go and sort out your situation with Iran. America is sorting out its situation with Iran, all the Arab states are sorting out their situation with Iran…. why are you still standing still?” he added.
Referring to Iran’s latest move in the Gulf, Qassem said: “Look at the great Iran, closing the Strait of Hormuz for the sake of Lebanon. This is a weapon in your hands.”
“Take up this weapon and use it,” he said, addressing Lebanese authorities.
Lebanon began direct talks with Israel in Washington in April under U.S. pressure, with the discussions aimed at ending the conflict and separating the Israel-Hezbollah confrontation from the broader regional war.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified after the Lebanese group launched rockets into Israel in support of its ally, Iran.
However, Hezbollah has consistently opposed the direct negotiations, and a fifth round of talks is expected to begin next week.
