The Israeli military has maintained a presence in southern Lebanon near the border since agreeing to the U.S.-backed ceasefire with Hezbollah in November. Israel was to withdraw its forces within two months and Lebanon's armed forces were to take control of the country's south, territory that has long been a stronghold for Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he welcomes the Lebanese cabinet’s “momentous decision” earlier this month to work towards the disarmament of Hezbollah by the end of 2025.

Naim Qassem says group will not abandon weapons ‘that protect us from our enemy’, insists on end to Israeli attacks.