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Jun 23, 20265
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Hezbollah and Iran Demand Full Israeli Withdrawal from Lebanon Amid Ceasefire Implementation
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem and Iran's UN envoy have demanded a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, as ceasefire talks face disputes over the withdrawal mechanism. Israel seeks a gradual pullout contingent on Lebanese army actions against Hezbollah, while Lebanon insists on an immediate withdrawal. The ceasefire, in effect since June 20, has seen violations.

Quick Facts
Who
Naim Qassem
What
Demanded full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
When
June 23, 2026
Where
Lebanon
- Demanded full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
- Ceasefire negotiations in Washington and Geneva
- Israel's step-by-step withdrawal demand
- Lebanon's insistence on immediate withdrawal
- Hezbollah outlined five post-ceasefire requirements
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.
Why This Matters
This coordinated demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, backed by Hezbollah and Iran, directly impacts the credibility of the current ceasefire and the broader US-backed negotiation framework. For readers tracking Middle East stability, the dispute over withdrawal mechanism—immediate vs. gradual—determines whether the ceasefire holds or collapses, with potential to reignite cross-border violence and disrupt regional energy markets.
Timeline & Sources
Jan 1, 2024
WireCeasefire agreement signed between Hezbollah and Israel
Jun 20, 2026
WireCeasefire takes effect
Jun 21, 2026
WireNegotiations in Switzerland continue late into the night, described as making good progress
Jun 21, 2026
WireNegotiations between parties in Geneva continued late into the night.
Jun 23, 2026
WireNaim Qassem demands full Israeli withdrawal in televised address
Jun 23, 2026
WireIran's UN envoy Ali Bahraini demands Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
Jun 23, 2026
WireTwo people killed by Israeli fire in southern Lebanon, reported as ceasefire violation
Jun 23, 2026
WireAl Hadath reports dispute over initial withdrawal mechanism in Washington talks
Jun 23, 2026
WireIran's envoy to UN Geneva demands Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon.
Jun 23, 2026
WireAli Bahraini confirms Iran's demand for Israeli withdrawal, cites progress in talks.
Jun 23, 2026
WireHezbollah Secretary General says Israel has only one way out: withdraw troops.
Entities
Sources
- Flash: Iran demands Israel withdraw from Lebanon in near future, says envoy to UN GenevaxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026
- Iran demands Israeli troop withdrawal from Lebanese territorytassMediaJun 23, 2026
- Hezbollah Secretary General says Israel 'has only one way out' in Lebanon, must withdrawtassMediaJun 23, 2026
- Beginning of troops withdrawal is source of disagreement between Israel, Lebanon — TVtassMediaJun 23, 2026
- Hezbollah leader demands full Israeli withdrawal from LebanonxinhuaMediaJun 23, 2026