by Our Correspondent in Doha
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon (Hezbollah) has issued a strongly worded statement as the 60-day deadline for the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory approaches. The deadline, established under the terms of a ceasefire agreement, calls for the complete withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the deployment of the Lebanese Army across the entirety of Lebanese soil.
Concerns over potential delays have intensified following reports from Israeli sources indicating that the IDF will not fully withdraw before January 26, a date that exceeds the agreed-upon timeline. At a recent meeting in Al-Naqoura in Southern Lebanon, where the enforcers of the ceasefire mechanism convened, IDF representatives reportedly refused to commit to a precise withdrawal timetable and sought to extend the deadline by several days.
Hezbollah expressed alarm over these developments, warning that any extension beyond the stipulated period would constitute a “blatant violation” of the agreement and an infringement on Lebanese sovereignty. “There are some leaks that talk about the enemy postponing its withdrawal and intending to stay longer in Lebanon,” the statement read. Hezbollah urged Lebanese political authorities to exert pressure on the international sponsors of the agreement to ensure its full implementation within the remaining days of the deadline.
The group emphasized the importance of the Lebanese Army’s deployment to “every last inch” of Lebanese territory and the swift return of displaced villagers to their homes. They cautioned against allowing “pretexts or arguments” that could delay the occupation’s end.
Adding to the rising tensions, Ali Fayyadh, a Lebanese Member of Parliament representing Hezbollah’s political wing, issued a stark warning, stating that an Israeli refusal to withdraw by the deadline date will “not go without consequences.”
Hezbollah’s statement reiterated that any breach of the agreement would “open a new chapter of the occupation,” requiring decisive action by the Lebanese state. The group called on the government to utilize “all means and methods necessary under international charters” to reclaim Lebanese territory and ensure the complete withdrawal of foreign forces.
The statement further warned that any attempt to evade or undermine the agreement would not be tolerated. “Any breach of the agreement and its clauses, and any attempt to escape from them under flimsy pretexts, will not be acceptable,” the group stated, underscoring the necessity of strict adherence to the ceasefire terms without concessions.
The developments in Al-Naqoura and the looming deadline have heightened regional tensions, with observers now closely monitoring whether the situation will escalate or be resolved through diplomatic channels. The final days of the 60-day period could prove pivotal in determining the future stability of the region.
