Hezbollah Warns Israel Over Ceasefire Violations, Seeks New Lebanon Ties

Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem stated the ceasefire with Israel must be mutual, warning the group will respond to any Israeli aggression in southern Lebanon. He outlined five conditions for a durable peace, including a full Israeli withdrawal and reconstruction. Qassem also expressed openness to a new chapter of cooperation with the Lebanese government to strengthen national unity. This comes amid reports of the Israeli army constructing a new military post near the Lebanese border, testing the fragile truce.

Key Points: Hezbollah Vows Retaliation for Israeli Ceasefire Breaches

  • Hezbollah warns of retaliation for Israeli violations
  • Outlines five steps for lasting peace
  • Seeks new cooperation with Lebanese government
  • Reports of new Israeli military post construction
2 min read

Hezbollah leader vows to retaliate against Israeli ceasefire violations, seeks fresh start with Lebanese govt

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem warns of retaliation for Israeli violations in Lebanon, outlines conditions for peace, and seeks new government cooperation.

"There is no ceasefire from one side only, - Naim Qassem"

Beirut, April 19

Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem said that the ceasefire with Israel must mean a complete halt to aggression, warning the group will retaliate against Israeli violations in southern Lebanon.

"There is no ceasefire from one side only," Qassem said in a statement, adding that Hezbollah fighters "will respond to violations of aggression accordingly."

He outlined five key steps: a permanent halt to hostilities across Lebanon, a full Israeli withdrawal, detainee releases, the return of displaced residents, and reconstruction with Arab and international support, Xinhua news agency reported.

Hezbollah had not been defeated and would continue to pursue Lebanon's liberation and independence, he added.

Qassem also said Hezbollah is open to "a new page" of cooperation with the Lebanese government, stressing readiness to work with state institutions to strengthen national unity and safeguard sovereignty.

A 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday local time (2100 GMT), following an earlier announcement by US President Donald Trump.

However, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement on Saturday that it had struck militants approaching a "Yellow Line," which marks the northern edge of the "security zone" established by Israel in southern Lebanon, over the past day.

The Israeli army also began constructing a new military site on Saturday near Kfarchouba village in the eastern sector of southern Lebanon's border area, according to eyewitnesses and a Lebanese security source.

The Lebanese security source told Xinhua that an Israeli military unit, comprising bulldozers and excavators, and protected by a Merkava tank, was conducting earthmoving works on a hill southwest of Kfarchouba. Activities included ground leveling, excavations, and the construction of earth berms, indicating the establishment of a new military post administratively linked to Kfarchouba.

Eyewitnesses identified the site as "Rbaa al-Teben" hill, about 1.5 km from the Lebanon-Israel demarcation line and home to olive groves and vineyards.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
This is a very complex situation. From an Indian perspective, we understand the pain of border tensions. A lasting peace is needed, not just a temporary pause. The focus should be on the return of displaced people and rebuilding lives. 🙏
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Rohit P
Hezbollah talking about "a new page" with the Lebanese government is interesting. Maybe this crisis will finally push non-state actors to integrate properly with the state's institutions. That's the only way for long-term stability in Lebanon.
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Sarah B
The report about bulldozers near olive groves is heartbreaking. Farmers lose everything in these conflicts. India has always supported peaceful resolution and sovereignty. Hope the ceasefire becomes permanent and people can go home.
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Vikram M
While I understand Hezbollah's stance as a resistance group, their continued armed presence complicates everything. A genuine fresh start means disarming and letting the Lebanese army be the sole defender of the border. That's the respectful criticism from a well-wisher.
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Karthik V
The cycle of violation and retaliation has to stop. Both sides need to step back. India's experience shows that dialogue and diplomacy, though slow, are the only way. Building new military posts during a ceasefire is just asking for trouble.

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