Hezbollah stands firm against Israeli occupation
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah declared that it maintains “a legitimate right to resist Israeli occupation”, and also said that the group would support the army of Lebanon, Asharq Al-Awsat reported on November 6th.
These comments come amidst increased tensions as Israeli air strikes have continued to bombard Lebanon’s south, with threats of increased military operations against Hezbollah. Both Israel and Hezbollah have accused one another of violating the ceasefire that ended last year’s war.
Israeli airstrikes fall under the pretext of national security as they target Hezbollah fighters, weapons depots, and command centres, accusing the group of re-arming. However, Lebanese officials accuse Israel of striking civilian areas and destroying vital infrastructure.
Despite ongoing attacks, Lebanese president Joseph Aoun has reiterated willingness to engage in talks to end Israel’s military presence, adding that negotiations must be mutual and balanced. Aoun also announced plans to have 10,000 Lebanese troops in the country’s south before the end of 2025, and reinforced coordination with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The Lebanese army currently operates alongside UN peacekeepers south of the Litani River, as stipulated by the ceasefire agreement, to prevent the presence of non-state armed groups in the area.
The group emphasised that whilst Lebanon is bound by the ceasefire, it is not required to engage in political negotiations with Israel.
National sovereignty remains paramount, with Lebanese troops remaining deployed in the country’s south.
The ceasefire stipulates Israel and Hezbollah are required to cease hostilities, as the Lebanese army and UNFIL maintain a presence south of the Litani River.
Dozens of positions have been deployed across southern Lebanon to work with UN peacekeepers and monitor the ceasefire, yet Israeli forces continue to hold several strategic positions inside Lebanese territory, increasing fears of renewed conflict.
Asharq Al-Awsat, Maghrebi.org
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