Tensions Between Hezbollah and Tel Aviv Ahead of Deadline for Israeli Troop Withdrawal from Lebanon

As the deadline for Israeli troops to withdraw from Lebanon approaches, tensions between Israel and the Hezbollah group, supported by the Islamic Republic, have escalated. While Hezbollah insists on the complete withdrawal of Israel by February 18, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has threatened that if the Lebanese army does not disarm Hezbollah, Israel will take action itself. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon continue, and tensions over preventing Iranian planes from landing at Beirut airport have sparked protests in the country. Netanyahu, in a joint press conference with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, emphasized that Israel will take necessary actions to implement the ceasefire agreement and ensure its security. He stated, 'It is the responsibility of the Lebanese government to compel Israel to withdraw completely. However, if Hezbollah is not disarmed, Israel will be forced to act.' The Israeli army conducted new airstrikes in eastern Lebanon on Sunday. The National News Agency of Lebanon reported that Israeli forces also fired towards the border town of Houla in southern Lebanon, resulting in one death. This attack occurred after local residents entered the border area. According to the report, Israeli fighter jets carried out three airstrikes in the Bekaa Valley. The Israeli army stated that these strikes targeted Hezbollah military positions, including weapon depots and rocket launchers, but did not provide further details. On the other hand, Naeem Qassem, the Secretary-General of Hezbollah, emphasized in a televised speech that Israel must completely withdraw from southern Lebanon by February 18 and has no excuse to remain. According to the ceasefire agreement, which has been in effect since November 27, Hezbollah must move its forces north of the Litani River (about 30 kilometers from the border) and dismantle all its military infrastructure in the south. However, both sides accuse each other of violating the agreement. In recent days, widespread protests have erupted in Lebanon following the government's decision to prevent Iranian planes from landing in Beirut. In one of these protests, a convoy of UN peacekeepers near Beirut airport was attacked, resulting in injuries to two peacekeepers. Naeem Qassem stated that the Lebanese Prime Minister received a warning from Israel that if an Iranian plane lands at Beirut airport, the runway will be targeted. The Israeli army claims that the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards and Hezbollah use passenger flights to smuggle money and weapons into Lebanon. Previously, Israel had accused Hezbollah of transferring Iranian weapons through Beirut airport, a claim that Lebanese officials and Hezbollah deny. A Lebanese source told AFP that Lebanon has prevented Iranian planes from landing twice this week. This decision was made after the U.S. warned that Israel might target Beirut airport. In response to this action, Naeem Qassem said, 'The Lebanese Prime Minister justified this decision under the guise of aviation safety and protection of civilian flights, but the reality is that he is executing Israeli orders.'