Hezbollah, led by Secretary General Naim Qassem, affirms its determination to eliminate Israeli presence in southern Lebanon while maintaining military readiness despite a ceasefire. Qassem emphasizes the necessity of Hezbollah’s arms in confronting perceived Israeli threats and highlights the group’s ongoing involvement in Lebanon’s governance and reconstruction efforts. Recent incidents indicate unresolved tensions along the border, calling attention to Israel’s non-compliance with ceasefire terms.
Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem has reinforced the organization’s commitment to eliminating any Israeli presence in southern Lebanon. In a televised interview with al-Manar TV, he stated that Hezbollah remains dedicated to protecting Lebanon’s sovereignty, despite a ceasefire agreement. Qassem asserted that the group is fully prepared to respond to any potential threats, underlining its military readiness despite the ceasefire.
Qassem pointed out that while Hezbollah paused its operations as per the ceasefire, it has retained military readiness over the past two months. He noted that Israel has violated the ceasefire agreement multiple times, emphasizing that the terms mandate Israel’s withdrawal beyond the Litani River, which has not yet been realized.
On issues of internal security, Qassem reiterated Hezbollah’s dedication to national stability and governance. He underscored that security forces must maintain exclusive control over internal security matters. Nonetheless, he stated that Hezbollah’s arms are essential for countering the “existential threat” posed by Israel, maintaining that Lebanon is entitled to resistance against such threats.
In discussing Lebanon’s reconstruction following the war, Qassem asserted that rebuilding efforts should fall under the purview of the Lebanese state. He confirmed Hezbollah’s ongoing influence in Lebanon’s political and military spheres, asserting that the group’s resistance will persist in light of continued Israeli threats.
The ceasefire agreement brokered by the US and France took effect on November 27, 2024, ending over a year of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. This agreement required Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days, yet Israel has not fully complied, maintaining troops in several significant locations along the border due to perceived threats from Hezbollah.
Ongoing violence along the border includes recent incidents, such as Israeli gunfire injuring a Lebanese soldier and a civilian near the Kafr Kila village. An explosion in the border area of Blida also resulted in injuries to a civilian. These events underline the fragility of the ceasefire conditions and the heightened tensions that continue to prevail along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
Hezbollah’s leadership, under Naim Qassem, has made it abundantly clear that the organization is resolutely committed to ending the Israeli presence in southern Lebanon while emphasizing Lebanon’s sovereignty and security. Despite the ceasefire, Hezbollah maintains military readiness and underscores its right to resist Israeli occupation. The group’s role in national stability and reconstruction efforts further underscores its pivotal influence in Lebanon’s political landscape, as tensions with Israel persist.
Original Source: munsifdaily.com
