'Their Project Collapsed': Hezbollah Chief Demands Full Israeli Withdrawal From Lebanon

Published 26 June 2026 · world

'Their Project Collapsed': Hezbollah Chief Demands Full Israeli Withdrawal From Lebanon Published By, Last Updated: June 26, 2026, 15:56 IST Hezbollah chief says Israel must

'Their Project Collapsed': Hezbollah Chief Demands Full Israeli Withdrawal From Lebanon Published By, Last Updated: June 26, 2026, 15:56 IST Hezbollah chief says Israel must fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, hails Iran-US memorandum, as IDF reports killing six Hezbollah militants amid ongoing border talks. Hezbollah chief says Israel must fully withdraw from Lebanese territory, hails Iran-US memorandum, as IDF reports killing six Hezbollah militants amid ongoing border talks. (Image: Reuters) Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem has said Israel has “no choice" but to completely withdraw from Lebanese territory, declaring that the regional conflict has entered a “new phase" after what he described as the collapse of the “Israeli-American project." Addressing the Central Ashura Council in Beirut, Qassem claimed the resistance had emerged stronger despite months of conflict and accused Israel of failing to achieve its military objectives.

“They sought to destroy us, but they suffered a crushing defeat. We have shattered the Israeli-American project and entered a new phase," he said. Demands Complete Israeli Withdrawal Qassem said any lasting peace required Israel to end all military operations against Lebanon and completely withdraw from Lebanese territory. “Israel has no choice but to fully withdraw from Lebanon and end its land, sea and air attacks," he said, adding that Hezbollah was formed in response to Israel’s occupation and what he called its “Greater Israel" ambitions. He also credited Iran with helping Hezbollah build a strong deterrent against Israeli military operations. Praises Iran-US Agreement The Hezbollah leader described the recent memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States as an admission of defeat by Washington and Tel Aviv. He praised Iran’s leadership and said the country had resisted pressure from the United States and Israel while continuing to shape regional developments.

IDF Says Six Hezbollah Militants Killed Meanwhile, the Israeli military said its forces had killed six Hezbollah militants in southern Lebanon. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), five Hezbollah operatives were killed in Zawtar al-Sharqiya and another armed militant was killed in the Ali al-Taher Ridge area after they allegedly posed a threat to Israeli troops operating inside the security zone. The IDF said the strikes were carried out to eliminate an immediate threat to its forces. Diplomatic Talks Continue Even as hostilities continue, diplomatic efforts are underway to reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. According to reports, Lebanese and Israeli representatives are holding talks in Washington on a US-backed proposal to establish pilot security zones where Israeli forces would gradually withdraw and the Lebanese Army would assume responsibility for security.