Hezbollah and Iran Demand Full Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Implementation

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem and Iranian officials have issued coordinated demands for a complete and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territories, as ceasefire negotiations continue in Washington and Geneva. In a televised address on June 23, Qassem declared that Israel's aggression against Lebanon has failed, asserting that the only viable path forward is a full withdrawal of Israeli troops according to a clear timeline. He emphasized that Israel must cease all military operations by air, land, and sea, and that the Lebanese army must be allowed to deploy in southern Lebanon to facilitate the return of displaced persons and reconstruction efforts.

Meanwhile, Iran's Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva, Ali Bahraini, stated that Iran has explicitly conveyed to all parties involved in the US-Iranian memorandum of understanding that hostilities against the Lebanese people must end and that Israeli forces are required to withdraw from Lebanese soil. Bahraini noted that negotiations in Switzerland on June 21 made "good progress," though key disputes remain.

A major point of contention in the talks, according to sources cited by Al Hadath television, is the mechanism for the initial withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon. Israel insists on a step-by-step approach, demanding that the Lebanese army demonstrate its ability to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure before a full pullout. Lebanon, however, demands an immediate Israeli withdrawal, starting with southern Lebanon, before any further steps are taken.

Qassem outlined five key requirements for post-ceasefire arrangements: a complete halt to Israeli attacks, full withdrawal and deployment of the Lebanese army in the south, release of detainees, return of residents to border areas, and reconstruction. He rejected any Israeli role in Lebanon's internal affairs or future security arrangements. He also praised Iran's support during the conflict, stating that cooperation between the two sides shaped the outcome of the confrontation.

The ceasefire, which took effect on June 20, has faced violations, with reports of two people killed by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon on June 23. Qassem criticized the United States and other international actors for not upholding commitments under the 2024 ceasefire agreement, while reiterating that resistance remains the only guarantee for Lebanon's liberation and sovereignty.