Iran Conflict — 2026-03-25

Hezbollah Chief Rejects Negotiations as Surrender; IDF Expands Buffer Zone to Litani River

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected Lebanese government proposals for direct talks with Israel, calling negotiations under fire "surrender" and vowing fighters would continue "without limits." Israeli Defense Minister Katz announced IDF forces will deploy across southern Lebanon up to the Litani River to create a defensive buffer zone until the Hezbollah threat is removed. The IDF struck bridges over the Litani to isolate Hezbollah logistics in the south. Hezbollah called on the government to reverse its ban on the group's military activities, framing resistance as "national unity."

Analysis
Prior digest reported 85% of Hezbollah's pre-war missile arsenal has been destroyed. If accurate, Qassem's "without limits" rhetoric is aspirational rather than capability-based. The IDF's bridge strikes over the Litani aim to prevent resupply from the Bekaa Valley, where Alma Center has identified Hezbollah's operational center of gravity. The buffer zone expansion tracks with prior reporting on Israeli plans to occupy southern Lebanon.

1 sources

Hezbollah chief urges unity, no talks with Israel amid Lebanon attacks - Al Jazeera