Wafiq Saffa, a senior Hezbollah official, said the group has the right to respond in kind to any Israeli breach of the ceasefire.
This stance signals a precarious stability in southern Lebanon, where the group's refusal to disarm complicates international efforts to ensure a lasting peace. The threat of reciprocal attacks suggests that any perceived violation by Israel could trigger a renewed cycle of violence.
Speaking in Beirut, Saffa addressed the ongoing tensions regarding the agreement's implementation [1]. He said that the resistance has the right to deal reciprocally with any Israeli violation of the ceasefire [2]. This position comes amid reports of continued Israeli activity in the region, which Hezbollah views as a breach of the established terms [3].
Saffa further clarified the group's position on its military capabilities. He said, "Hezbollah refuses to give up its weapons" [1]. This declaration reinforces the group's long-standing policy of maintaining an independent arsenal regardless of diplomatic agreements.
Other officials have echoed concerns regarding the fragility of the current peace. Joseph Aoun said there are "continuous Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement" [3]. These persistent frictions have led Hezbollah to maintain a high state of readiness along the border.
The official's comments underscore a strategy of deterrence, where the group links its continued armament to the behavior of the Israeli military. By framing their actions as a response to breaches, Hezbollah positions its military posture as a defensive necessity rather than an offensive choice [2].
“Hezbollah refuses to give up its weapons”
The insistence on maintaining weaponry and the policy of reciprocal response indicate that Hezbollah views its arms as the primary guarantee against Israeli incursions. This creates a volatile security environment where the interpretation of a 'ceasefire breach' can lead to immediate military escalation, bypassing diplomatic channels.
