Lebanese state responsible for ensuring cease-fire compliance, Hezbollah chief says

ISTANBUL

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said Wednesday that the Lebanese state is responsible for implementing and ensuring compliance with the cease-fire agreement with Israel.

In a recorded speech to a conference in the Iranian capital Tehran, Qassem stressed that Lebanon, as the party that negotiated the agreement, must take responsibility for addressing any violations by Israel.

He outlined three stages of the recent conflict with Israel, which began with Hezbollah's support for Gaza on Oct. 8, 2023, followed by a massive Israeli air campaign on Lebanon, and the post-cease-fire phase, which began on Nov. 27.

“In the third phase, an agreement was reached that requires the (Israeli) enemy to end its aggression and withdraw from the occupied Lebanese territories,” Qassem said.

“Hezbollah is also committed to halting defensive operations and withdrawing fighters and weapons from south of the Litani River,” he added.

The Hezbollah chief reiterated that the Lebanese state, having signed the agreement, now bears the direct responsibility for ensuring its enforcement and preventing further violations.

“The responsibility now lies with the Lebanese state, the countries that mediated the agreement, and the committee overseeing its implementation through political means until Israel exits Lebanon,” Qassem said.

He also accused Israel of committing hundreds of violations of the deal, including aerial and ground attacks, house demolitions, and incursions into previously inaccessible areas.

Regarding Hezbollah's silence to the Israeli violations, Qassem explained, “We decided to give the agreement a chance, placing the responsibility for its enforcement on the Lebanese state.”

“This is a political phase that the state is handling, and we agree with the voices calling for the state to be responsible for implementing this agreement,” he continued.

“We are patient at this stage, believing that the responsibility lies with the state.”

Hezbollah, he noted, has demonstrated its resilience in preventing Israel from advancing in the border region.

“There is now an opportunity for the Lebanese state to assert itself politically,” Qassem said.

“The resistance is ongoing and has regained its strength. With its deep-rooted faith and committed fighters, it will continue to progress and grow stronger in the future,” he added.

Under the cease-fire terms, Israel is required to withdraw its forces south of the Blue Line — a de facto border — in phases, while the Lebanese army is to deploy in southern Lebanon within 60 days.

Data from the Lebanese Health Ministry indicates that since Israel’s onslaught against Lebanon began on Oct. 8, 2023, at least 4,063 victims have been killed, including women, children, and health workers, while 16,663 others have been injured.

*Writing by Mohammad Sio