The head of Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, has set a deadline for Israeli troops to withdraw from Lebanese territory. In a televised speech, Qassem stated that Israel must fully leave the country by February 18, with no exceptions. He described any remaining military presence as an occupying force.
The demand comes after a truce brokered by Washington in November allowed Israeli troops to remain in southern Lebanon for 60 days. However, Israel’s military requested to extend this period, and some troops were permitted to stay in five posts. Qassem rejected these plans, insisting that the withdrawal deadline stands.
Tensions escalated during Qassem’s speech when several air strikes hit Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, targeting suspected Hezbollah sites. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has called on the Lebanese government to reconsider its ban on Iranian flights landing in Beirut, which was imposed following Israeli accusations of smuggling funds to arm the group.
The situation remains volatile, with protests and clashes between Hezbollah supporters and Lebanese authorities at Beirut airport.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-chief-says-israel-must-fully-withdraw-lebanon-by-february-18-2025-02-16