Lebanese Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem stated on Monday that the group would not tolerate any justifications for extending the deadline for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon.
“What comes after the period given for Israel’s withdrawal? Israel has to withdraw because the 60 days are over. We do not accept any justification to extend for one moment or one day,” Qassem said in a recorded televised address.
On Friday, Israel announced that its army’s withdrawal would exceed the 60-day period stipulated in the ceasefire agreement with Lebanon, citing that the agreement’s terms had not been fully enforced by the Lebanese state.
The U.S. stated on Sunday that the agreement between Lebanon and Israel would remain in effect until February 18, extending the original January 26 deadline. Qassem claimed in his speech that Washington had initially proposed extending the deadline to February 28, a suggestion Lebanese officials rejected.
Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in a meeting with U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson, confirmed the country’s commitment to adhering to the ceasefire agreement until February 18. Mikati emphasized that this commitment required pressure to end Israeli “aggression and repeated violations” and to ensure Israel’s full withdrawal from occupied territories in the south. His office reiterated, “Nobody in Lebanon can accept the extension (of Israeli troops withdrawal) for one moment. Israel must get out.”
Qassem further warned, “Any repercussions of the withdrawal’s delay will be the responsibility of the U.N., the U.S., France, and the Israeli entity.” He also asserted that the “resistance” reserves the right to respond as it deems appropriate to the “occupation.”
According to the Lebanese health ministry, Israeli forces killed at least 24 people and injured 141 others in southern Lebanon on Sunday and Monday. These incidents occurred as thousands attempted to return to their homes in defiance of Israeli military orders.
Regarding Lebanon’s cabinet formation, Qassem noted that progress was being made with the country’s prime minister and president. He dismissed claims that Hezbollah was causing “complications” in forming the government.
Earlier this month, lawmakers elected army chief Joseph Aoun as president, filling the vacant post with a general approved by the U.S. The election highlighted the reduced influence of the Iran-backed group following its costly war with Israel.
In Lebanon, cabinet formation is often delayed due to negotiations among its sectarian factions over ministerial positions.