Israel must withdraw completely by February 18: Hezbollah

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Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has warned that Israeli troops must fully withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18, rejecting Israel’s request to maintain military positions in southern Lebanon. He stated that any remaining Israeli presence after the deadline would be considered an occupation.

In a pre-recorded televised speech on Sunday, Qassem emphasized that the agreement under which Israeli forces were given 60 days to withdraw following a truce brokered by the United States in November allowed no exceptions.

"Israel must withdraw completely on February 18, it has no pretext, no five points or other details… this is the agreement," he said.

Israeli Troop Presence Under Scrutiny
Israeli forces launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon in early October, engaging in near-daily clashes with Hezbollah fighters amid the broader Israel-Gaza war.

Under the November truce, Israeli forces were expected to fully withdraw from Lebanese territory within 60 days, a deadline that was later extended to February 18.

However, sources told Reuters last week that Israel had requested to maintain a presence at five military posts beyond the deadline, a move that has been met with firm opposition from Hezbollah.

Qassem warned that any Israeli troops remaining on Lebanese soil after February 18 would be regarded as an occupying force.

"Everyone knows how an occupation is dealt with," he said, without explicitly threatening a resumption of hostilities.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan reported last week that the United States had authorized a "long-term" Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, though Washington has not officially confirmed this.

Israel Target Lebanon Amid Speech
As Qassem’s address was being broadcast, Israeli airstrikes hit at least three targets in Lebanon’s eastern Bekaa Valley, according to security sources.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later confirmed the strikes, stating they had targeted Hezbollah sites containing rocket launchers and weapons depots.

Hezbollah has been engaged in frequent cross-border exchanges of fire with Israel since October 7, when the Gaza war broke out. The clashes have displaced thousands of residents on both sides of the border, with Israeli airstrikes intensifying in recent weeks.

Lebanon’s Ban on Iranian Flights Sparks Tensions
Qassem also condemned the Lebanese government’s decision to temporarily ban Iranian flights from landing in Beirut, calling it an act of submission to Israeli demands.

The ban, which lasts until February 18, was imposed following Israeli accusations that Iran was using civilian aircraft to smuggle cash and weapons to Hezbollah.

The decision stranded dozens of Lebanese nationals in Iran, many of whom had traveled for religious pilgrimages. Lebanon attempted to send two aircraft to retrieve them, but Iran barred the planes from landing in Tehran, escalating tensions.

On Saturday, Hezbollah organized a protest at Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport, where Lebanese security forces used tear gas to disperse demonstrators.

Qassem accused the Lebanese government of acting under Israeli pressure and demanded that Iranian flights be immediately reinstated.

"Let the plane land, and we will see what Israel will do," he said.

Uncertainty Ahead of Withdrawal Deadline
With the February 18 deadline approaching, uncertainty looms over whether Israeli forces will fully withdraw or maintain positions in southern Lebanon.

Tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border remain high, with frequent Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket attacks.

While diplomatic efforts continue, Hezbollah has made it clear that it will not tolerate any Israeli military presence beyond the agreed deadline, raising fears of a new escalation in the conflict.