Hezbollah Leader Sets Conditions for Lebanon Truce Amid Continued Israeli Strikes

Naim Qassem declared readiness to cooperate with the Lebanese government while demanding a full Israeli withdrawal, as the IDF vows to maintain “self-defense” operations. Make us preferred on Google Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Damaged building after the Israeli strike in Beirut’s southern suburbs on April 19, 2026. (Photo by AFP) Content Share Facebook X (Twitter) LinkedIn Bluesky Email Copy Copied Flip Make us preferred on Google The leader of the Iranian -backed Hezbollah group, Naim Qassem, stated that the organization is “fully open” to cooperating with the Lebanese government on a ceasefire with Israel , provided that specific “principled conditions” are met. In a broadcast reported by The New York Times , Qassem demanded a total cessation of Israeli attacks and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory. He emphasized that the truce must be reciprocal, warning that Hezbollah would not wait months for fruitless diplomacy and remains in full combat readiness. Follow our coverage of the war on the @Kyivpost_official . The group’s refusal to disarm remains an obstacle, as the central Lebanese government lacks the power to control Hezbollah’s military influence, which has long exceeded that of the national army. Simultaneously, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified that they will continue operations in southern Lebanon to eliminate “immediate threats,” regardless of existing ceasefire agreements. In a statement on social media, the IDF reported that air and ground units have conducted precision strikes on armed individuals and infrastructure used for attacks. The military emphasized that actions taken for self-defense are not limited by the truce and will continue as directed by Israel’s political leadership. This regional friction follows a significant diplomatic intervention by US President Donald Trump. On Saturday, April 18, Trump called for an immediate end to Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon – a demand that reportedly left Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government “shocked.” This pressure adds a new layer of complexity to the administration’s Middle East strategy, which is already stretched thin by a fragile truce with Iran. Other Topics of Interest War in the Middle East: Latest Developments Israel’s military said a soldier died during combat in southern Lebanon, where fighting has not stopped despite a temporary ceasefire. The broader stability of the region hinges on an April 22 deadline. Trump has warned that he may not extend the ceasefire with Tehran if negotiations regarding a $20 billion asset-for-uranium swap fail. “Maybe I won’t extend it... and unfortunately we have to start dropping bombs again,” Trump stated, referring to potential strikes against Iranian targets. As the deadline approaches, the conflicting demands for a total halt in Lebanon and the threat of resumed strikes on Iran leave international observers questioning whether a comprehensive settlement is achievable. Kyiv Post is Ukraine’s first and oldest English news organization since 1995. Its international market reach of 97% outside of Ukraine makes it truly Ukraine’s Global – and most reliable – Voice.