Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has demanded that Israeli forces completely withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18, 2025, asserting that Israel has “no pretext” to maintain any military presence in southern Lebanon beyond that date.
In a televised address on Sunday, Qassem emphasized that any Israeli military presence in Lebanon after the deadline would be considered an occupying force.
He stated, “Israel must withdraw completely on Feb. 18, it has no pretext, no five points or other details… this is the agreement.”
He further remarked, “Everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with,” without explicitly threatening renewed attacks against Israel.
This demand follows a U.S.-brokered truce in November 2024, which granted Israel 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon, where it had been engaged in a ground offensive against Hezbollah fighters since early October. The deadline was later extended to February 18, 2025.
However, Israel’s military has requested to maintain a presence in five posts in the area. Israeli public broadcaster reported last Wednesday that the U.S. had authorized a “long-term” Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, though this claim has not been publicly confirmed by Washington.
During Qassem’s speech, at least three Israeli airstrikes hit Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley. The Israeli military stated it had conducted the strikes after detecting Hezbollah activity at sites containing rocket launchers.
In addition to calling for an Israeli withdrawal, Qassem urged the Lebanese government to lift its ban on Iranian flights landing. The restriction, in place until February 18, 2025, was imposed after Israel accused Iran of using civilian aircraft to smuggle into Lebanon to arm Hezbollah.
The ban left dozens of Lebanese nationals stranded in Iran, where they had traveled on a religious pilgrimage with plans. Lebanon dispatched two planes to retrieve them, but denied landing rights to the Lebanese aircraft in response.
Hezbollah supporters protested the ban outside Beirut airport on Saturday, leading to clashes with Lebanese troops, who used tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
Qassem slammed the Lebanese government’s decision, describing it as “the implementation of an Israeli order.” He stated, “Let the plane land and we will see what Israel will do,” he said.
The situation remains tense as the February 18 deadline approaches, with both Hezbollah and Israel maintaining their positions. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging all parties to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement and to work towards a peaceful resolution.
