Key facts
- Israeli forces will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms.
- Hezbollah's leader Naim Qassem rejected the condition for disarming.
- Naim Qassem called the U.S.-brokered deal a humiliation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israeli forces will maintain their presence in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah disarms. This stance sets a clear condition for withdrawal from the occupied territories. Hezbollah's deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has publicly rejected Netanyahu's terms, characterizing the U.S.-brokered proposal as a humiliation. Qassem's rejection underscores the significant gap between Israeli demands and Hezbollah's position, suggesting a prolonged conflict or continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon. The situation highlights the ongoing tensions and the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the region, with the U.S. attempting to mediate a resolution.