Hezbollah Chief Says Lebanon Must Cancel Israel Talks
In a televised address, Qassem said Hezbollah opposes talks with what he described as the “usurping Israeli entity” and urged Lebanese officials to take what he called a “historic and heroic stance” by withdrawing from the scheduled meeting.
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Monday called on Lebanon to cancel a planned diplomatic meeting with Israel in Washington, reiterating the group’s rejection of any direct negotiations with Israel.
In a televised address, Qassem said Hezbollah opposes talks with what he described as the “usurping Israeli entity” and urged Lebanese officials to take what he called a “historic and heroic stance” by withdrawing from the scheduled meeting.
The Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States are expected to meet in Washington on Tuesday to discuss the possibility of formal negotiations between the two countries.
Qassem dismissed the initiative, arguing that such talks lack legitimacy without broad domestic consensus. He also accused the Lebanese government of acting in Israel’s interest, saying it had become “a tool” of its adversary.
“We will not surrender,” Qassem said, as fighting continues between Hezbollah and Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. He added that the group would remain engaged in combat and warned that it could attempt to capture Israeli soldiers if the opportunity arises.
Separately, senior Hezbollah official Wafiq Safa said the group would not be bound by any agreements reached through negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. In remarks to international media, Safa said Hezbollah is “not interested in or concerned with” the outcome of such talks.
The statements highlight growing tensions between Hezbollah and the Lebanese government, which has moved in recent months to assert greater control over security policy. Beirut has previously indicated it is seeking a ceasefire before advancing broader diplomatic efforts, while Israel has said it prefers to pursue formal peace negotiations.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said over the weekend that Israel is seeking the dismantling of Hezbollah’s weapons and a long-term peace arrangement with Lebanon.
Hezbollah, however, has maintained that its armed wing remains a domestic issue and has rejected external involvement in determining its future.