Hezbollah Says It Is Committed to the Deal and Urges Lebanese Not to Return Yet

A senior Hezbollah official said the group has carried out no terrorist activity since the announcement of the Iranian-American deal, presenting that as evidence it is honoring the agreement. Speaking anonymously, the official told Reuters that Hezbollah’s position on the ceasefire is tied to Israel’s compliance with it, and said the group rejects Israel’s freedom of movement in Lebanon.

He also said Iran delayed signing the agreement in order to monitor whether Israel would adhere to the ceasefire in Lebanon. Hezbollah welcomed the deal and thanked Tehran for insisting that Lebanon be included in any understanding leading to a ceasefire.

The official urged displaced Lebanese not to return yet to border villages in southern Lebanon, saying they should wait for formal instructions. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said that respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity is part of the interim agreement with the United States.

Meanwhile, Defense Minister Israel Katz said earlier Tuesday that IDF forces will not withdraw from the areas they captured in Lebanon. He said Israel intends to remain there “without time limit.” Katz also warned that if Iran attacks Israel in response to Israeli strikes in Lebanon, Israel will hit back “with great force.”