Hezbollah warns Israel against extending occupation of south Lebanon

Ceasefire terms require Israeli military to withdraw by January 26

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has accused the Israeli military of committing hundreds of truce breaches in Lebanon. Reuters

Hezbollah has warned Israel against extending its occupation of south Lebanon past the January 26 withdrawal deadline.

A US-mediated ceasefire deal gave Israel 60 days to withdraw from south Lebanon and for Hezbollah to move north of the Litani River. Lebanon's army is supposed to increase its presence in the south under the agreement.

“We in Hezbollah are waiting for the date of January 26, the day on which the ceasefire requires a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory," said Hezbollah MP Ali Fayyad. "If the Israeli enemy does not comply with this, it will mean the collapse of the [ceasefire deal]."

Despite the ceasefire deal, Israel has repeatedly attacked south Lebanon and destroyed dozens of border villages.

Jean-Pierre Lacroix, the UN undersecretary general for peace operations, said this week that “some Israeli air strikes have also been reported, as have ongoing violations of Lebanese airspace”.

“We urge the Israel Defence Forces to withdraw from Lebanese territory; certainly by the end of the period envisaged in the announcement of the cessation of hostilities,” he said.

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem at the weekend accused Israel of hundreds of ceasefire breaches and warned that “this cannot continue”.

He called on the Lebanese state to be “firm in confronting violations, now numbering more than hundreds”.

“We have been patient with the violations to give a chance to the Lebanese state responsible for this agreement, along with the international sponsors, but I call on you not to test our patience,” he said.

The ceasefire agreement in November last year ended more than a year of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel that culminated in a war, as Israel sent its forces across the border into Lebanon and carried out a devastating bombing campaign.

The truce was followed by the election this month of a new Lebanese President, former army chief Joseph Aoun, and the designation of Nawaf Salam, formerly head of the International Court of Justice, as prime minister. He must now form a new government, raising hopes for change in Lebanon after years of economic crisis and political stalemate.

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UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres spoke of a “more hopeful” future for Lebanon after meeting its new leaders during a two-day visit last week as the deadline for introducing the ceasefire approached.

“Throughout my time here, I have sensed an atmosphere of opportunity,” Mr Guterres said. “After one of the most difficult years in generations, Lebanon is on the cusp of a more hopeful future.”

Mr Guterres also held talks in Beirut on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron, who said Paris would soon host an aid conference to help rebuild Lebanon.

The UN “will intensify our support for recovery and reconstruction across Lebanon”, Mr Guterres said. “The cessation of hostilities is fragile, but it is holding.”

The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said Israel's continued presence in southern Lebanon was hindering efforts to assist people in the area.

"Humanitarians continue to face significant obstacles in accessing areas where Israeli warnings remain in effect for over 60 villages and towns in southern Lebanon," OCHA said in its latest report, released on Friday.

"Military activity continues despite the cessation of hostilities, with reports of Israeli forces withdrawing from parts of the southern border area. However, the demolition of homes by Israeli forces persists, particularly in Bint Jbeil and Marjayoun districts in Nabatieh governorate."