Hezbollah Hints It Won’t Disarm If Israel Still Occupies Southern Lebanon

A vehicle drives past buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes during the latest war, near the border wall in the southern Lebanese village of Ramia on March 5, 2025. (AFP)
A vehicle drives past buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes during the latest war, near the border wall in the southern Lebanese village of Ramia on March 5, 2025. (AFP)
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Hezbollah Hints It Won’t Disarm If Israel Still Occupies Southern Lebanon

A vehicle drives past buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes during the latest war, near the border wall in the southern Lebanese village of Ramia on March 5, 2025. (AFP)
A vehicle drives past buildings destroyed in Israeli strikes during the latest war, near the border wall in the southern Lebanese village of Ramia on March 5, 2025. (AFP)

A senior Hezbollah official has hinted that the Lebanese group will not lay down its weapons as long as Israel is occupying parts of the country.

Mohammed Daamoush made his comments in Beirut during a sermon for Friday prayers adding that Israel’s occupation of five strategic hilltops and what he said were daily violations of a ceasefire aim to pressure Lebanon to normalize relations with Israel.

Daamoush said the state now controls the border with Israel and Lebanon's new government is backed by the international community and has weapons, so “what have you done to face daily Israeli violations and aggression?”

He called on authorities to convince the public about why weapons should only be held by the state, adding: “When there is occupation and a continuing aggression weapons should be in the hands of men and everyone should repel this occupation.”



Netanyahu’s Hard-Line Ally Welcomes Return to Fighting in Gaza 

Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
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Netanyahu’s Hard-Line Ally Welcomes Return to Fighting in Gaza 

Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)
Palestinians make their way to flee their homes, after the Israel army issued evacuation orders for a number of neighborhoods, following heavy Israeli strikes, in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip March 18, 2025. (Reuters)

A key governing partner of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the return to fighting in Gaza.

Bezalel Smotrich had threatened to leave the government if fighting did not resume, which would imperil Netanyahu’s rule. Critics said those political considerations were influencing Netanyahu’s wartime decision-making.

"We remained in the government for this moment despite our opposition to the (ceasefire) deal, and we are more determined than ever to complete the task and destroy Hamas," Smotrich posted on X.

Israel launched airstrikes across the Gaza Strip early Tuesday, killing at least 326 Palestinians, including women and children, according to hospital officials. The surprise bombardment shattered a ceasefire in place since January and threatened to fully reignite the 17-month-old war.

Netanyahu ordered the strikes after Hamas refused Israeli demands to change the ceasefire agreement. Officials said the operation was open-ended and was expected to expand. The White House said it had been consulted and voiced support for Israel's actions.