Hezbollah's statements must be taken seriously: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Israeli media
24 Jan 2025 13:29
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Israeli media report concerns over the potential return of Hezbollah to the border fence area, as the 60-day deadline for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories nears its end.

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A boy holds a Hezbollah flag following a ceasefire between "Israel" and Lebanon on November 28, 2024, in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon. (AP)

The Israeli government requested that its military remain in southern Lebanon for an additional month before withdrawing from the area, the Israeli Makan channel reported.

Additionally, KAN military correspondent Itay Blumental said the Israeli political echelon instructed the military to remain in the eastern sector of Lebanon even after the 60-day deadline for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories expires.

An Israeli source also told CNN that the government informed Washington of its desire to keep its forces in southern Lebanon for at least an additional month.

Israelis fear Hezbollah's return to border

In a related context, Israeli media reported concerns over the potential return of Hezbollah to the border fence area, as the 60-day deadline for the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from Lebanese territories nears its end.

The Israeli Channel 14 cited Moshe Davidovich, head of the so-called Northern Frontline Towns Forum, as saying that there is fear about what comes next.

"We believe that the Israeli army will remain in its current positions inside Lebanon for at least a year," he stated.

Davidovich pointed out that while preparations are underway for settlers to return to their residences, many still fear that Hezbollah's return to the border fence will undermine their security.

Similarly, the head of the Golan Regional Council, Ori Kalner, urged the Israeli government to take all necessary measures to ensure the opposing side clearly understands that Israel is unwilling to backtrack, warning that if Hezbollah acts out of confusion, "Israel" will exact a very heavy price.

Meanwhile, Shlomi Council head Gabi Naaman stressed that the establishment of a security zone within Lebanese territory is both "necessary and justified." He expressed confidence that the Israeli military "will not withdraw to the Israeli border."

He added, "The true test will come in the next few days and what we hope for is that the north does not reignite and that residents can return to their homes by the beginning of March this year, as planned by the government."

Staying in Lebanon will take us back 40 years: Israeli expert

In this context, Jack Neria, an Israeli expert on Lebanese affairs, warned of a "scenario reminiscent of 1982 to 2000, namely guerrilla warfare with Hezbollah against military positions."

"This will take us back 40 years. Hezbollah's statements [regarding Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon] must be taken seriously," he told the Israeli Channel 13.

On Thursday, Hezbollah issued a statement emphasizing the necessity for the Israeli occupation to fully comply with the ceasefire agreement. The statement highlights the importance of ensuring that the Israeli occupation forces withdraw entirely from Lebanon, as stipulated in the agreement.

Hezbollah's statement comes amid reports of potential delays in the Israeli withdrawal, with some leaks suggesting that the occupation is seeking to extend its presence in Lebanon. The group called on Lebanese political authorities to exert pressure on the countries sponsoring the agreement to ensure its full implementation.

"The leaks indicating that the enemy plans to delay its withdrawal and remain in Lebanon for a longer duration require everyone, especially the political authorities in Lebanon, to exert pressure on the countries sponsoring the agreement," Hezbollah said.

The group stressed the need for active monitoring of the final days of the deadline to guarantee the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese army to the last inch of Lebanese land, and the swift return of residents to their villages.

"It is essential to actively monitor the final days of the deadline to ensure complete withdrawal, deployment of the Lebanese army to the last inch of Lebanese land, the swift return of residents to their villages, and preventing any excuses or justifications for prolonging the occupation."

The statement warned that any breach of the 60-day deadline would be considered a blatant violation of the agreement and an encroachment on Lebanese sovereignty.

Hezbollah also asserted that such a situation would necessitate a response from the Lebanese state through all means and methods guaranteed by international treaties to reclaim and liberate the land from occupation.

Hezbollah emphasized that any attempt to evade the agreement under weak pretexts would be unacceptable, calling for strict adherence to the agreement without any concessions, as the situation is closely monitored in anticipation of the complete Israeli withdrawal in the coming days.

"As we closely monitor the situation, which should culminate in the complete withdrawal in the coming days, any breach of the agreement and commitments will be unacceptable. We call for strict adherence without any concessions," the statement concluded.