BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 14. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has accused the Lebanese government of targeting the group instead of confronting Israel’s continued military presence and what he described as violations of agreements between Lebanon and Israel.
In comments reported by Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr, Qassem said Lebanese authorities were “targeting the resistance instead of targeting the enemy and its failure to abide by agreements”.
Qassem also questioned why residents of the southern Lebanese town of Mansouri have been unable to return to their homes, arguing that the area should be “liberated” rather than remain under occupation.
“Mansouri is supposed to be liberated … not occupied … yet residents can’t return … what have the Lebanese authorities done?” he said.
Mansouri was subjected to Israeli displacement orders and attacks on August 5, according to reports. The incident has added to tensions surrounding Israel’s continued military presence in southern Lebanon.
Qassem accused the Lebanese authorities of “surrender” and declared that Hezbollah would not accept what he described as violations of Lebanon’s sovereignty.
The comments come despite a US-brokered ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel reached in April. Israeli forces have continued to occupy parts of southern Lebanon and have carried out demolitions of Lebanese homes and businesses, according to reports.
The dispute has also intensified over Hezbollah’s weapons. On Thursday, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel would not withdraw from Lebanon unless Hezbollah is disarmed.
The opposing positions highlight the growing tension between the Lebanese government, Hezbollah and Israel over the future of southern Lebanon, the status of Israeli forces and the question of Hezbollah’s weapons.
