Hezbollah deputy leader issues stern warning to Israel on ceasefire adherence

Sheikh Naim Qassem, Hezbollah deputy head, issued a stern warning to Israel, stating that the Israeli government should not test Hezbollah’s patience.

In a statement, Qassem emphasized that Israel cannot violate the truce indefinitely and must recognize the limits of Hezbollah’s tolerance, Caliber.Az reports citing foreign media.

“We want to give Lebanon and the mediators a chance, but it is not worth testing our patience,” Qassem said, underlining the importance of honoring the ceasefire agreement.

The Hezbollah leader reaffirmed that the ceasefire arrangement, initially proposed in May 2024, remains unchanged and specifically pertains to the region south of the Litani River in Lebanon. He made it clear that the agreement is strictly limited to that geographical area.

Qassem also expressed pride in Hezbollah’s role in supporting the resistance efforts in Gaza, crediting Hezbollah’s actions in Lebanon as a significant factor contributing to the broader victory in Gaza. He reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to opposing the US-Israeli agenda, stating that the group’s resistance will persist in challenging these foreign influences.

To recall, the Israeli government has approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, which includes the release of hostages held in Gaza.

The decision was finalized on January 18 at 1 a.m. following over seven hours of intense debate.

The Cabinet meeting, initially scheduled for 15:30, began at approximately 18:30. After extensive discussions, the 33-member ministerial group approved the agreement, with 24 ministers voting in favour and eight opposing. Those opposing included members of the religious Zionist Otzma Yehudit party and Likud ministers David Amsalem and Amichai Chikli.

By Vafa Guliyeva