Lebanese parliament speaker Nabih Berri warned that Israeli forces in southern Lebanon would face resistance if they did not withdraw, signalling the risk of renewed conflict ahead of upcoming talks.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, brokered by the US and set to last 10 days, has largely held since Thursday.
However, Israeli forces remain deployed inside Lebanese territory in a buffer zone stretching five to 10 kilometres along the border, which Israel says is intended to protect its northern areas from Hezbollah attacks.
Read: Lebanese parliament speaker calls for pressure on Israel to halt ceasefire violations
The US is expected to host ambassadorial-level talks between Israel and Lebanon on Thursday.
âLebanon cannot tolerate losing even a single metre of its territory,â Berri told Al-Jumhuriya newspaper.
Berri, who also leads the Amal Movement, added: âIf Israel maintains its occupation, whether of areas, sites, or the zero lines it draws, it will smell the scent of resistance every day.â
Read: Netanyahu says Israelâs âmissionâ against Hezbollah not over despite ceasefire with Lebanon
The Israeli army has continued demolition operations in villages in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire, saying that it is targeting infrastructure linked to Hezbollah.
Lebanonâs National News Agency reported new Israeli bombardment in at least eight villages, along with artillery shelling in several areas.
âIf they insist on remaining, they will face resistance, and our history bears witness to that,â Berri added.
Israel withdrew from southern Lebanon in 2000 after a 22-year occupation, during which Hezbollah, the Amal Movement and other factions carried out attacks against Israeli forces.
A source at the French presidency said that any lasting solution must not include a permanent buffer zone in southern Lebanon, adding that such a measure would not be necessary in the context of a durable peace.
