Qaani Warns Israel to Leave Southern Lebanon or Face Another Defeat Like 2000
IRGC Quds Force commander Esmail Qaani says the Israeli occupation will face another humiliating expulsion if it continues its military presence and attacks in southern Lebanon.
Lebanon, PUREWILAYAH.COM – Commander of the Quds Force of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Brigadier General Esmail Qaani, warned the Israeli occupation to withdraw from southern Lebanon or risk suffering a repeat of its 2000 defeat, when Israeli forces were forced to end their occupation and retreat from Lebanese territory.
Addressing what he described as “Zionist invaders and terrorists,” Qaani said the occupation still has an opportunity to leave voluntarily before events once again force its withdrawal.
“If you do not leave southern Lebanon on your own feet, the epic of 2000 will be repeated once again,” Qaani said.
Qaani Recalls Israel’s 2000 Withdrawal
Qaani described Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in May 2000 as a historic defeat for the occupation.
According to him, that year marked the moment Israeli forces “fled in humiliation and disgrace” from Lebanese land after years of occupation and resistance operations.
He warned that continued military aggression and occupation would lead to the same outcome.
“Today too, if you insist on aggression and occupation, you will be expelled in humiliation and defeat. The choice is yours,” he said.
Warning Amid Escalation in Southern Lebanon
Qaani’s remarks were made as Israeli attacks continue across southern Lebanon, while Lebanese Resistance forces maintain military operations against Israeli occupation troops.
The latest escalation has intensified tensions along the Lebanese front despite ongoing diplomatic efforts related to regional security and ceasefire arrangements.
Tehran: Iran Will Never Abandon Lebanon
According to Al Mayadeen, diplomacy and battlefield developments are proceeding in full coordination, reflecting the close link between negotiations and realities on the ground.
The source criticized Washington for failing to fulfill commitments related to Lebanon, describing the situation as unacceptable.
“The Islamic Republic of Iran will never abandon its friends in Lebanon,” the source said.
The official also warned that opportunities to correct the current situation are limited and that time is running short.
Israeli Attacks Continue Despite Ceasefire
The statements coincided with a new wave of Israeli attacks across southern Lebanon and the western Bekaa region.
According to reports, at least 37 people were killed in the latest strikes, extending a pattern of Israeli attacks that has continued despite a ceasefire that reportedly came into effect on April 17, 2026.
The ongoing attacks have become a central point of contention in diplomatic discussions surrounding Lebanon and broader developments across West Asia. (PW)