Hezbollah Rejects Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire Deal and Demands Full Withdrawal

Hezbollah has rejected the latest ceasefire agreement negotiated between Israel and the Lebanese government, insisting that any deal must include a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

The group’s leader, Sheikh Naim Qassem, dismissed the agreement in a televised statement and made clear that Hezbollah would continue fighting as long as Israeli forces remain inside Lebanon.

The rejection creates a major obstacle for diplomatic efforts aimed at ending months of conflict and stabilising the region.

“What we are concerned about is an end to the aggression, ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal,” Qassem said.

“We did not make any commitment to any party to stop resisting as long as there is occupation.”

Hezbollah Rejects Disarmament Demands

One of the central elements of the proposed agreement calls for areas of southern Lebanon to be placed under the exclusive control of the Lebanese army.

The deal also includes efforts to reduce the influence of armed groups operating outside state authority.

Qassem rejected those provisions, arguing that forcing Hezbollah fighters to withdraw under military pressure would amount to surrender.

He described proposals to disarm the group as a direct threat to Lebanon’s security.

“Disarming Hezbollah is a decapitation of Lebanon’s strength,” he said.

Qassem also criticised direct negotiations with Israel, calling them “futile and humiliating.”

Lebanon’s Government Pushes for Agreement

The Lebanese government has presented the agreement as an opportunity to move toward a broader ceasefire and eventually secure an Israeli withdrawal.

President Joseph Aoun described the proposal as “the last chance to enter a final and comprehensive ceasefire.”

According to Lebanese officials, implementation of the agreement depends on consultations with political and military factions inside the country, including Hezbollah.

The agreement itself does not provide a timetable for a full Israeli withdrawal but outlines steps intended to expand Lebanese army control in southern regions.

The United States has pledged support for the Lebanese military as part of the process.

Fighting and Diplomacy Continue Together

Despite ongoing diplomatic efforts, violence has continued.

Israeli forces remain deployed across large areas of southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah has vowed to continue attacks until Israeli troops leave.

“As long as the aggression continues, we will confront it with all the strength we possess,” Qassem said.

He warned that Israeli communities would not enjoy security while Lebanese towns continue to face attacks and destruction.

The continuing conflict has complicated wider regional negotiations and increased concerns about stability across the Middle East.

Iran Backs Hezbollah’s Position

Iran signalled support for Hezbollah’s demands.

Esmail Qaani, commander of the Revolutionary Guard’s Quds Force, reiterated Tehran’s call for a complete ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

He also reaffirmed Iran’s support for what it describes as the resistance movement in Lebanon.

The comments highlight the broader regional dimensions of the conflict, with Iran continuing to play a significant role in developments involving Hezbollah.

Ceasefire Future Remains Uncertain

The rejection of the agreement leaves the future of ceasefire efforts in doubt.

The United States and Lebanon’s government had hoped the Washington-brokered framework could create a path toward ending the fighting and restoring stability in southern Lebanon.

Instead, Hezbollah’s response has exposed deep divisions over the terms of any settlement.

With Israel demanding security guarantees and Hezbollah insisting on continued resistance until a full withdrawal takes place, negotiators face major challenges in turning the proposed agreement into a lasting ceasefire.

For now, diplomatic talks continue, but the gap between the parties remains significant.