The leader of Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, has issued a firm ultimatum to Israeli forces, demanding a complete withdrawal from Lebanese territory by February 18. The warning follows a truce brokered by the United States, which initially set a 60-day deadline for Israeli troops to pull out from the region.
Speaking on Sunday, Qassem declared that Israel has no justification to remain beyond the agreed date. “Israel must withdraw completely on February 18. It has no pretext—no five points or other details. This is the agreement,” he stated.
The ceasefire, implemented in November, granted Israeli forces time to end their ground offensive against Hezbollah fighters, which had persisted since early October. However, Israeli military officials have since requested to retain a presence at five strategic posts in southern Lebanon, a move Hezbollah has vehemently opposed.
Qassem warned that any Israeli troops found on Lebanese soil after the deadline would be regarded as an occupying force, potentially reigniting tensions along the volatile border.
The situation remains tense as the deadline approaches, with regional observers closely monitoring whether Israel will comply or if the fragile truce will unravel, risking renewed hostilities in the region.
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