Hezbollah States Israeli Troop Withdrawal is Key to Lebanese Peace
Hezbollah has emphasised that it will not accept a unilateral ceasefire in Lebanon, demanding a full commitment from Israel to halt attacks as the primary condition for establishing sustainable peace. Hezbollah Member of Parliament Hassan Fadlallah stated that any ceasefire agreement must apply to all parties involved. He asserted that Lebanon will not return to the conditions that existed prior to the conflict that erupted on 2 March.
In an interview with the Hezbollah-affiliated Al-Manar television station on Monday (1/6), Fadlelleah stated that Lebanon’s current position focuses on achieving a comprehensive ceasefire encompassing land, air, and sea. According to him, such a step is necessary to encourage the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and to enable displaced residents to return to their homes.
Fadlallah explained that this stance has been communicated to all parties involved in the diplomatic process. He emphasised that every agreement must include a clear and explicit commitment from Israel, including an end to the destruction of homes in Southern Lebanon. Furthermore, he maintained that Hezbollah is prepared to adhere to any agreed-upon treaty, provided that Israel first demonstrates a commitment to fulfilling its obligations. However, he stated that the group will not accept a situation where only one party complies with a ceasefire.
Fadlallah also noted that pressure from Iran, including threats to halt the negotiation process, has influenced the changing direction of the situation in recent times. These statements come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to halt attacks through communications conducted via intermediaries. Trump stated that he had engaged in indirect contact with both parties and obtained assurances that all exchanges of fire would cease.
Nevertheless, Israeli military attacks in Lebanon continue. Operations persist despite a ceasefire that began on 17 April, which was subsequently extended for 45 days following US-mediated indirect negotiations. According to data from the Lebanese Ministry of Health, more than 3,400 people have been reported killed due to attacks since the conflict escalated on 2 March.