Hezbollah leader gives Israel a reprieve

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said Israeli troops must completely withdraw from Lebanese territory by February 18, Al Arabiya reported.

He stated that there is "no excuse" for maintaining an Israeli military presence at any post in southern Lebanon.

Under a US-brokered ceasefire in November, Israeli forces were given 60 days to withdraw from southern Lebanon. The deadline was later extended to February 18, but the Israeli military has asked to keep troops at five posts in southern Lebanon.

Israel must withdraw completely on February 18. No excuses or other details are needed... this is the agreement, says Naim Qasim.

He noted that any Israeli military presence on Lebanese soil after February 18 will be considered an occupying force.

It is reported that while Qasim's statement was being broadcast, the Zionist air force struck Hezbollah military facilities.