TEHRAN – Israel is cooking excuses to justify its illegal presence in South Lebanon after the deadline for a complete withdrawal from the Mediterranean state that expired Tuesday.
Israeli forces have been partially drawn from several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, but maintain their troops in five locations beyond established deadlines.
“To defend Israeli citizens, we need to stay at these points at this point, ensure that this process is complete and ultimately hand it over to the Lebanese army,” said Israeli military spokesman Nadab Shoshani. said Monday.
He said the “temporary measures” were approved by a US-led agency overseeing the armistice agreement.
The United Nations mission, Janine Hennis Plastichert and the Unifil peacekeepers, delayed Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon that year, ended the war between Hezbollah and Israel in 2006 He said it would violate a 2019 Security Council resolution.
President Joseph Own previously expressed concern that a complete withdrawal would not be realized, adding that “Lebanese responses will take place through a unified and comprehensive national position.”
The UN says Israel’s refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon completely violates the 2006 Security Council resolution, Secretary-General Hezbollah, Naim Qassem.
“Israel has to withdraw entirely on February 18th, and there are no pretexts, five points, or other details… this is an agreement,” the Hezbollah chief said.
He added, “The Lebanese state must not accept partial withdrawal or conditions. There is no continuing occupational justification, and Lebanese’s attitude must be solid and decisive.”
The ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect on November 27th last year.
Israel and Hezbollah launched a cross-border fire the day after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the start of a war with Gaza on October 7, 2023. Israel launched a massive bombing campaign in Lebanon last September, aiming to curb Hezbollah. On October 1st, the administration invaded southern Lebanon. However, after failing to meet military targets, they reached a ceasefire with the Resistance Group.
Before the ceasefire, Israel had killed nearly 4,000 people in Lebanon, leaving waves of devastation throughout the country, especially in the south.
Despite the ceasefire, Israeli forces proceeded with the attack, killing dozens of Lebanese civilians.
According to the two-month ceasefire agreement, which was later extended, Israel had to withdraw all troops from Lebanon, with the Lebanese forces deploying south.
Hezbollah also needs to retreat north of the Ritani River, which runs through southern Lebanon.
Israel’s hostility towards Hezbollah dates back to the early 1980s when resistance groups were established to fight the Regime’s invasion of Lebanon.
Israel launched an attack in Lebanon in 1982, sending the tanks to the capital, Beirut. Israel occupied southern Lebanon for nearly 20 years before being kicked out by Hezbollah in 2000.
Israel attacked after being attacked by the Palestinians in Lebanon. The sporadic clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continued after the regime was forced to leave southern Lebanon.
Tensions erupted in 2006 when the government went to war with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The war began on July 12, 2006. A few days after the Lebanese resistance seized two Israeli soldiers.
The conflict ended on August 14th after Israel failed to beat Hezbollah.
The Israeli army killed more than 1,000 Lebanese people. This is primarily civilians in a 34-day conflict. More than 120 Israeli soldiers were also killed.
Encouraged by US President Donald Trump’s unwavering support, Israel now works under the delusion that Hezbollah cannot stand up to the administration’s military.
This misconception led the Israeli army to remain permanent in southern Lebanon.
The growing opposition to the ongoing Israeli occupation will stimulate the Lebanese population and lead to stronger resistance to the existence of a regime in their territory. It is certainly true that Israeli soldiers will potentially sacrifice their lives and face serious consequences on the expansionist ambitions of their leaders. This situation will inevitably force Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanon in a state of complete humiliation.