Hezbollah Condemns Ceasefire Pact Between Israel and Lebanon

Hezbollah rejects renewed ceasefire agreed by Israel – Hezbollah, a Shia Muslim militant group in Lebanon, has firmly rejected a newly agreed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, which was backed by the United States. In a stern declaration, the group’s leader, Naim Qassem, called the negotiations “pointless” and “disgraceful,” emphasizing that the deal had been widely scorned by many Lebanese citizens. This comes after Israel and Lebanon announced the extension of their existing ceasefire, with the introduction of “experimental security zones” within Lebanon where Hezbollah is expected to restrict its operations.

Agreement Hinges on Hezbollah’s Withdrawal

The deal, reached following a fourth round of US-mediated talks in Washington, requires Hezbollah to evacuate all its fighters from a region near the Israeli border, stretching approximately 30 kilometers (19 miles) northward to the Litani River. Israeli forces currently occupy this area, and the agreement mandates that the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) gain full control over the zones. However, the pact does not specify exact boundaries for these “pilot zones” or outline how they will function in practice.

According to the joint statement issued by the U.S. State Department, the ceasefire will only hold if Hezbollah stops all hostilities and withdraws its troops from the southern front. Despite this, Hezbollah’s leader argued that the agreement represented a defeat, likening it to a surrender. “This supposed ceasefire means Hezbollah is halting its attacks and pulling back its fighters,” Qassem stated, adding that it would “achieve Israel’s goals” and leave Lebanon vulnerable.

Public Skepticism in Hezbollah Strongholds

Residents in Beirut’s southern suburbs, a key area for Hezbollah, have expressed doubts about the agreement’s viability. Sami, a local shop owner with 25 years of experience, told the BBC: “You can’t have a ceasefire from one side—either everyone agrees, or it’s meaningless.” He noted that Israeli strikes had occurred on Thursday, questioning whether the truce was truly in effect. “This isn’t peace,” he said. “It’s surrender. Not a peace deal, but a surrender agreement.”

Another nearby shopkeeper, Hadi, echoed similar concerns. His family’s business has operated in the region for 35 years, and he described the ceasefire as a “familiar disappointment.” “My generation, my father’s, and my grandfather’s didn’t see hope in these deals,” Hadi said. “Not necessarily from the Israelis, but even from the government.” The sentiment reflects widespread frustration among Lebanese citizens, many of whom view the agreement as a compromise that weakens their country’s sovereignty.

Previous Ceasefire and Ongoing Tensions

The current agreement follows a partial ceasefire announced on Monday, where Israel promised to avoid bombing Beirut in exchange for Hezbollah halting attacks on Israeli territory. However, this arrangement did not fully halt hostilities, and clashes continued. The new terms, which include the creation of experimental security zones, aim to stabilize the situation further, though their effectiveness remains uncertain.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the military would “continue its operations” in the area for the time being, focusing on dismantling Hezbollah’s infrastructure. This stance suggests that the ceasefire is not a complete halt but a strategic pause. Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported multiple Israeli strikes across southern Lebanon on Thursday, including air attacks on the Bekaa Valley town of Sohmor and a motorcycle in Maaroub, near Tyre. These strikes resulted in five casualties in Sohmor and one additional death in Maaroub.

UN Peacekeeper Killed in Mortar Attack

Amid the escalating violence, the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (Unifil) confirmed the death of one of its personnel. Senior Sergeant Milovan Jovanovic, a Serbian national, was killed by mortar shells that struck his post near Marjayoun late on Wednesday. The Israeli military claimed responsibility for the attack, asserting that Hezbollah had fired the mortars. The group has yet to comment on the incident, though Unifil stated the peacekeeper was hit during the night.

Hezbollah’s opposition to the agreement is rooted in its perception of the deal as a concession to Israel. The group, which is supported by Iran, has historically positioned itself as a defender of Lebanon against Israeli aggression. Its armed forces, more powerful than the Lebanese army, have played a critical role in the country’s political and military affairs. Despite being labeled a terrorist organization by Israel and several Western countries, including the UK and the U.S., Hezbollah continues to assert its legitimacy as a key player in Lebanon’s security landscape.

Challenges and Uncertainties Ahead

The agreement faces several hurdles, including the lack of detailed maps or clear guidelines for the experimental zones. This ambiguity has raised questions about its implementation and sustainability. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun claimed the ceasefire could be enacted within 24 hours of its final approval, but the speed of implementation depends on coordination between all parties involved.

As the countries prepare for a follow-up meeting on June 22, the political and military dynamics remain complex. While the U.S. has supported the deal as a step toward lasting peace, Hezbollah’s rejection highlights the deep divisions within Lebanon. The group’s influence extends beyond military operations, as it also serves as a political party and social movement, making its stance critical to the nation’s stability.

Analysts note that the agreement represents a delicate balance between Lebanon’s need for calm and Hezbollah’s desire to maintain its strategic position. The creation of pilot zones could serve as a model for broader territorial control, but their success hinges on trust between the Lebanese Armed Forces and Hezbollah. Without clear communication and enforcement, the deal may fail to address the root causes of the conflict.

For now, the situation remains tense. The Israeli military’s ongoing operations and Hezbollah’s withdrawal plans underscore the fragile nature of the truce. As the parties continue to negotiate, the question of whether this ceasefire will hold or collapse remains unresolved, with the fate of Lebanon’s security and stability hanging in the balance.

Hezbollah’s rejection of the ceasefire agreement signals a significant challenge to the peace process. Its leadership views the terms as a betrayal of Lebanon’s interests, while local communities in southern suburbs express skepticism about the agreement’s ability to bring lasting peace. The upcoming talks in June will be crucial in determining whether the deal can bridge the gap between the two sides or if the conflict will reignite, leaving Lebanon once again on the brink of turmoil.