Lebanon’s Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem stated that his group will not accept any justifications to extend the 60-day period for Israeli troops to withdraw from southern Lebanon. Qassem emphasized that Israel must fully comply with the withdrawal, as “the 60 days are over,” and extended the deadline only once.
Israel’s army withdrawal is set to last beyond the initially agreed 60-day period in a ceasefire deal with Hezbollah. U.S. officials confirmed the agreement will remain in effect until February 18, while Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has indicated his country will adhere to the truce.
Qassem noted that Washington initially proposed extending the deadline to February 28, which Hezbollah rejected. He also warned that “resistance” groups have the right to act in response to the occupation.
The Israeli military has killed at least 24 and wounded over 140 people in southern Lebanon in recent days, despite thousands of people attempting to return home despite Israeli orders.
On cabinet formation discussions, Hezbollah chief Qassem stated that progress is being made with Prime Minister Mikati and President Saad Hariri. He dismissed any notion that complications are due to Hezbollah, noting the group has been managing internal affairs effectively since January when army chief Joseph Aoun assumed the presidency following Iran-backed forces’ defeat in a devastating war with Israel.
Government formation discussions in Lebanon often face delays due to conflicting demands among sectarian factions over cabinet positions. The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides essential news for daily planning, with updates available through Thomson Reuters services.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hezbollah-does-not-accept-reasons-time-extension-israeli-troop-withdrawal-chief-2025-01-27