Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has warned that Israeli troops must fully withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18, rejecting Israel’s request to maintain military positions in southern Lebanon. He stated that any remaining Israeli presence after the deadline would be considered an occupation.

Naim Qassem said any Israeli military presence on Lebanese soil after February 18 would be considered an occupying force.

Hezbollah leader Naim Kassim has called on the Lebanese government to enforce the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the south of the country as agreed in the ceasefire agreement. Israel wants to retain five army positions.

Hezbollah said on Sunday that Israeli troops must withdraw from Lebanese territory in full by a February 18 deadline, saying it had "no pretext" to maintain a military presence in any post in southern Lebanon.