BEIRUT — Hezbollah has rejected the latest U.S.brokered ceasefire proposal between Israel and the Lebanese government, calling for a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory as violence continues to intensify along the border.
The announcement came on Thursday amid fresh Israeli airstrikes that killed at least four people in southern Lebanon, according to local officials. In the same wave of violence, a United Nations peacekeeper was killed in crossfire, while an Israeli soldier also died during fighting in the south.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, speaking through a statement broadcast on television, strongly criticized the proposed agreement, describing it as “absurd, humiliating and insulting.” He argued that the demand for Hezbollah fighters to withdraw from southern Lebanon while under attack amounts to “surrender and defeat.”
“Our priority is stopping the aggression, achieving a ceasefire, and ensuring Israel’s withdrawal,” Qassem said. He warned that continued attacks on Lebanese villages would keep northern Israel under threat.
Tensions Spread Across the Border
Following his remarks, air raid sirens were reported in several northern Israeli communities, including Shlomi, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had recently held meetings with local officials.
The Israeli military said drones launched from Lebanon triggered interception attempts, with some reportedly landing near Israeli forces. No casualties were reported.
Israel’s military leadership acknowledged that the prolonged conflict is placing pressure on northern communities, while also claiming that recent operations have significantly weakened Hezbollah and its regional allies.
Ground Developments in Southern Lebanon
Lebanese army units, working alongside United Nations peacekeepers, entered the southern village of Dibbine after Israeli forces withdrew following days of heavy clashes. It marks a rare Israeli pullback in the ongoing conflict.
Despite this, Israeli airstrikes continued across multiple regions, including the Bekaa Valley, where at least three people were reported killed in Sohmor village.
Israeli authorities have warned civilians to avoid areas they say are being used for Hezbollah operations.
Diplomatic Efforts Remain Stalled
The latest ceasefire proposal, mediated by the United States, calls for Lebanese forces to assume control of southern security zones and for Hezbollah fighters to withdraw from the area.
However, Hezbollah has firmly rejected the terms. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the initiative as a “last opportunity” for a comprehensive ceasefire and urged all sides to consider implementation.
Washington is expected to play a central role in any future enforcement of the agreement.
Rising Human Cost
The conflict continues to take a heavy toll. More than 3,500 people have been killed in Lebanon and over 1.2 million displaced, while Israel has reported the deaths of at least 28 soldiers and three civilians.
Residents in affected areas say repeated ceasefire announcements have brought little relief.
“People keep hearing about ceasefires, but the fighting never stops,” one resident said.
