Hezbollah refuses to disarm amidst Israeli military presence
- Naim Kassem declares that Hezbollah will retain their weapons as long as Israeli troops are in southern Lebanon.
- Israeli airstrikes continue to target Hezbollah, resulting in numerous civilian casualties in Lebanon.
- The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel remains unresolved, with ongoing tensions and military presence.
In Lebanon, Naim Kassem, the leader of Hezbollah, announced that the organization's fighters will not disarm due to the continued presence of Israeli troops in southern Lebanon. This statement came during a speech broadcast on Hezbollah's television station. Kassem's leadership followed a significant power shift within the group after Israeli airstrikes led to the deaths of several top Hezbollah leaders, including the longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah, last year. Since the U.S.-brokered ceasefire began in late November, hostilities have not ceased between the two factions. Israeli airstrikes have reportedly resulted in numerous casualties, including civilians and Hezbollah members, as they claim to target Hezbollah's presence in southern Lebanon. The office of the U.N. high commissioner for human rights reported that over 71 civilians had died in these strikes since the ceasefire took effect, highlighting the ongoing violence in the region. On October 8, 2023, Hezbollah escalated its actions against Israel following the outbreak of war between Israel and Hamas, aimed at alleviating pressure on Gaza. Israel responded by incursions into Lebanese territory, further intensifying tensions. According to reports, the prolonged conflict has resulted in over 4,000 deaths in Lebanon, alongside significant destruction estimated to cost $11 billion in reconstruction. As part of the ceasefire agreement, it was stipulated that Hezbollah should withdraw from parts of southern Lebanon and hand over military positions and weapons south of the Litani River, with Israeli forces also expected to retreat into Israel. However, Israel retained some positions within Lebanon, which Lebanon contends violates the terms of the ceasefire. Recent calls from the U.S. for Lebanon to assert state control have added to the complex political dynamics in the region. Kassem's assertion that disarmament discussions cannot occur amid ongoing airstrikes and occupation reflects a deep-rooted resistance and the complexities of demilitarization amidst military presence.