Qassem said before announcing the results of the Israeli Knesset elections, “The resistance will continue and confront any aggression against it and against Lebanon. There is no room for debate on disarmament as long as the occupation exists and the aggression continues.”

Hezbollah chief urged Israel to withdraw in accordance with the agreement of November 27 and United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1701, and called for deploying the Lebanese army south of the Litani River.

Adopted in August 2006, the resolution establishes the framework for the cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, including security provisions for the zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River.

After preliminary results released Wednesday on national television after counting 85 percent of the votes, Tuesday’s Israeli elections gave 53 seats to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s bloc and 48 to the “Change” opposition bloc, led by Gadi Eisenkot. Arab lists secured 19 seats.

Despite the ceasefire, Israel keeps its military presence in southern Lebanon’s regions, conducting actions that Beirut considers violations of the agreement, some in areas occupied for decades, and others seized during more recent conflicts and military operations. jdt/iff/msm/mche