Hezbollah rejects renewed ceasefire agreed by Israel and Lebanon
Hezbollah has formally rejected the renewed ceasefire agreement announced by the United States on Wednesday night. The framework, accepted by the Israeli and Lebanese governments, faces uncertain implementation.
BBC Middle EastA statement issued on behalf of Hezbollah's Executive Council announced that the new US-mediated ceasefire framework is not accepted by the group. The statement said: 'The framework envisages a unilateral monitoring system over Lebanese territory; this is unacceptable.'
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said: 'Diplomatic contacts will continue in the coming days and technical elements of the text will be clarified.' Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said: 'Our government endorsed the framework on the basis of national unity; internal debates will proceed through diplomatic channels.'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after a cabinet meeting, said: 'If attacks resume we will respond more strongly, but we state our position in favour of preserving the ceasefire.' Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) analyst Renad Mansour assessed: 'Hezbollah's rejection is a required posture for internal party unity, but the door for operational implementation has not been closed.' UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert urged dialogue from all parties. Procedural framing only.
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