Hezbollah chief rejects any Israeli security zone in Lebanon

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said on Sunday that Israel cannot establish a security zone in Lebanon, following Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that Israeli troops would stay in the country’s south “as long as necessary.”

Qassem declared that “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.”

He added that “Israel is an aggressor and must leave. America bears full responsibility,” and warned that “Israel will not remain in Lebanon, even if it increases its crimes, and we will defend ourselves.”

Israeli forces that entered southern Lebanon after the conflict began on March 2 are operating within a so‑called “security zone” that extends roughly a dozen kilometres into Lebanese territory along the border.

Netanyahu reiterated that “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 said that Israeli troops have standing orders to respond to any threat encountered inside Lebanon.

Qassem’s remarks came as Washington and Tehran held talks in Switzerland after a preliminary agreement was signed earlier this week to end the broader Middle East war, which includes a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Recent Israeli strikes have threatened to derail the deal, but fighting in Lebanon has paused since Saturday evening, after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to Israel’s attacks on Lebanon.

“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,” Qassem said.

He urged Lebanese authorities to “take advantage of the path of the memorandum of understanding.”

“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.

“Look at the great Iran, closing the Strait of Hormuz for the sake of Lebanon. This is a weapon in your hands,” he said, addressing the Lebanese authorities, adding, “Take up this weapon and use it.”

Under U.S. pressure, Lebanon began direct talks with Israel in Washington in April, aimed at ending hostilities and separating the Israel‑Hezbollah conflict—triggered by Hezbollah’s rocket fire in support of Iran—from the regional war.

Hezbollah has rejected the direct talks, and a fifth round is scheduled to begin next week.

AFP

The post Hezbollah chief rejects any Israeli security zone in Lebanon appeared first on Vanguard News.