Hezbollah has rejected a ceasefire framework agreed by the governments of Lebanon and Israel during US-mediated negotiations, raising fresh doubts over efforts to end hostilities along the border.
The Lebanon ceasefire talks produced an agreement on Wednesday under which Israel and Lebanon would implement a ceasefire contingent on a complete halt to Hezbollah attacks.
The deal also requires Hezbollah members to withdraw from the area south of the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometres north of the Israeli border.
Hezbollah was not a participant in the negotiations.
Hezbollah leader condemns agreement
Reacting to the announcement, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem described the negotiations as disgraceful and rejected the agreement as a “roadmap” aimed at weakening part of the Lebanese population.
He characterised the deal as a surrender and a defeat, urging the Lebanese government to halt negotiations with Israel.
“As long as there is occupation, resistance will continue,” Qassem said in a written statement.
He argued that any ceasefire arrangement must also address southern Lebanon, where Israel maintains what it describes as a security zone intended to protect northern Israeli communities from attacks.
Iran-backed movement demands Israeli withdrawal
Qassem said northern Israeli towns would not be secure while Lebanese villages continued to face bombardment and destruction.
Meanwhile, the commander of Iran’s Quds Force stated that the minimum demand of the resistance was a full Israeli withdrawal to positions held before the conflict escalated and before Israeli ground forces entered southern Lebanon.
Israel continues military operations
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said earlier on Thursday that Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon would continue for the time being.
He also stated that Lebanese residents who had been displaced by the conflict would not yet be allowed to return to their homes in the affected areas.
Lebanese president calls deal final opportunity
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the agreement reached in Washington as the last opportunity to achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire with Israel.
Despite diplomatic efforts, the rejection of the plan by Hezbollah highlights the significant obstacles that remain before any lasting truce can be implemented.
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