On Sunday, February 16, Hezbollah’s leader, Naim Qassem, declared that Israeli forces must fully withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18, emphasizing that there is no justification for Israel to maintain a military presence in any part of southern Lebanon.

This demand follows a truce brokered by the U.S. in November, which initially gave Israel 60 days to pull out its troops after launching a ground offensive against Hezbollah fighters in October. The deadline was later extended to February 18, but according to sources, Israel had requested to keep troops stationed at five positions in southern Lebanon.

In a televised speech, Qassem insisted that the agreement requires a complete withdrawal, stating, “Israel must withdraw completely on February 18—no exceptions, no five points, nothing.” He warned that any Israeli presence beyond that date would be considered an occupation, though he did not explicitly threaten retaliation.

Meanwhile, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that the U.S. had approved a long-term Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon. Around the same time as Qassem’s speech, Israeli airstrikes hit Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, targeting sites allegedly used by Hezbollah to store weapons and rocket launchers.

Qassem also criticized the Lebanese government’s temporary ban on Iranian flights landing in Beirut. The ban, imposed until February 18, was a response to Israeli claims that Tehran was using civilian flights to smuggle funds for Hezbollah. As a result, dozens of Lebanese pilgrims were stranded in Iran, unable to return home. Lebanon attempted to send its own planes to bring them back, but Iran refused to allow them to land.

On Saturday, Hezbollah supporters protested outside Beirut’s airport, demanding the flight ban be lifted, but were met with tear gas from Lebanese security forces. Qassem condemned the government’s decision, calling it a submission to Israeli pressure. “Let the plane land,” he said defiantly, “and let’s see what Israel will do.”

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Israel Defence Forces via Reuters file