Hezbollah says Israel must ‘unconditionally’ withdraw from southern Lebanon, Israel denies plans to leave

What happened

Al Jazeera Lebanon reports Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stating that Israel has "no option" but to "unconditionally" withdraw from southern Lebanon and other areas it occupies. This follows Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz's statement denying any plan to withdraw, even if requested by the United States.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure, battlefield claim or single-source assertion should be treated as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source or a named official. Hezbollah’s demand reflects longstanding disputes over territory in southern Lebanon, an area that has historically been a focal point of clashes and ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah. The group’s firm stance suggests an escalation in rhetoric amid ongoing regional tensions.

Israel’s position, reiterated by Katz, indicates no change in its operational or political approach regarding its presence in the contested zones. This contrast highlights a continuing deadlock which complicates prospects for dialogue or de-escalation in the near term.

Known from the source

• Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem stated Israel must "unconditionally" withdraw from southern Lebanon and other occupied areas.
• Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said Israel has no plans to withdraw from southern Lebanon, even if the US demands it.
• The statements were reported by Al Jazeera Lebanon on 26 June 2026.

What remains unclear

The interplay of Hezbollah’s calls and Israeli denial also has implications for UNIFIL’s mandate, as peacekeepers remain tasked with monitoring the ceasefire and trying to reduce hostilities that impact civilian populations in southern Lebanon and surrounding areas.

What remains unclear: Confirm whether the central claim is corroborated; until then treat it as unconfirmed/hearsay. Whether Hezbollah’s claim of Israeli occupation extends beyond southern Lebanon to other specific areas and what those areas are. Any independent confirmation of Israeli troop levels or movements in southern Lebanon. Official Lebanese government response or UNIFIL statements following these claims.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Al Jazeera Lebanon. Open the source.