Tehran, 22 June (H.S.): Esmail Qaani, commander of the Quds Force of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), has issued a stern warning to Israeli forces deployed in southern Lebanon, saying they have only two choices: withdraw voluntarily or be expelled by force in a humiliating manner.

According to Iran's state-run Press TV news agency, Qaani addressed Israeli soldiers in Hebrew in a message posted on social media on Sunday. He warned that if Israeli forces failed to withdraw from southern Lebanon, they could face a repeat of the events of 2000, when Israel ended its long military presence and withdrew from Lebanon.

Qaani said, If you do not leave southern Lebanon on your own, you will be driven out in defeat and humiliation. The choice is yours.

Referring to the recent hostilities, the IRGC commander claimed that the Israeli military had suffered significant losses over the past few days. He alleged that a large number of Israeli soldiers had been killed or injured within a short period.

The statement comes at a time of continuing tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border. Iranian officials have accused Israel of violating ceasefire agreements and continuing military operations inside Lebanon.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has also claimed that it has intensified its military activities in response to Israeli attacks. The group said it had targeted several Israeli soldiers in recent days.

Following the recent diplomatic understanding between Iran and the United States, there had been expectations that the conflict in Lebanon would ease. However, Iranian officials have warned that continued violations of the ceasefire could pose a serious threat to regional stability.

On the other hand, the Israeli leadership has indicated that it is not in favour of making any major changes to its security policy in southern Lebanon. Israeli officials maintain that military operations in the border region are directly linked to the country's security interests.

Analysts believe that the increasingly confrontational rhetoric from both sides could further escalate regional tensions, even as the international community continues efforts to contain the conflict and secure a lasting ceasefire.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar