IRGC commander warns Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanon

Brigadier General Esmaeil Qa'ani, commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force, issued a warning to Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon via social media on Sunday. Addressing what he called "aggressor and terrorist soldiers" of the Zionist regime, Qa'ani stated: "If you do not withdraw from southern Lebanon on your own feet, the epic of the year 2000 will be repeated once again, the same year you fled this land in disgrace." He referred to the Israeli regime's forced withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000 after 18 years of occupation, a move widely seen as a victory for Hezbollah.

Qa'ani further warned: "Today, if you persist in aggression and occupation, you will be kicked out in humiliation and defeat. The choice is yours." He also cited recent battlefield losses, writing that "in less than four days, you have suffered 100 casualties!" The warning came amid ongoing Israeli ceasefire violations in Lebanon, including deadly attacks targeting civilians. The IRGC commander's remarks underscore the heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and the potential for further escalation.

According to Mehr News Agency, the statement reflects Iran's continued support for Lebanese resistance groups and its opposition to Israeli military presence in the region. The 2000 withdrawal remains a significant historical reference point for Iranian and Lebanese resistance narratives.