In rare interview, top Hezbollah leader rejects disarmament, calls for Israeli withdrawal

Key Points:

• Hezbollah attacked an Israeli army position in Northern Israel, claiming it was in response to Israeli cease-fire violations; this marks the first attack claimed by the Iran-backed group since the truce began last week.
• Lebanese and Israeli government representatives are scheduled to meet in Washington for peace talks, focusing on Hezbollah's disarmament, but Hezbollah insists it will never give up all its weapons.
• In a rare interview, Hezbollah official Wafiq Safa stated the group is committed to the cease-fire but will respond to Israeli violations, emphasizing their alliance with Iran and readiness to defend Lebanon.
• Despite a government decree for Hezbollah to disarm south of the Litani River, Safa confirmed the group retains weapons and opposes any Israeli presence in Lebanese territory, vowing to resist occupation.
• Hezbollah demands full adherence to the cease-fire, Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese land, prisoner releases, and the return of displaced persons, warning it will fight back if the truce fails.