Hezbollah lawmaker warns Lebanon against direct talks with Israel

A senior Hezbollah legislator has warned Lebanon against entering direct negotiations with Israel, while also highlighting Iran’s role in facilitating recent ceasefire efforts, Associated Press reports.

“During these 10 days we want the continued effort from Iran to force Israel to the pathway that was imposed by the Islamabad talks,” Hassan Fadlallah said after speaking to the press in the battered Beirut southern suburb of Haret Hreik.

Fadlallah, a member of Hezbollah’s parliamentary bloc, cautioned Lebanon against direct engagement with Israel, arguing that such talks would amount to a concession to Israel while its troops remain on Lebanese soil.

“The Lebanese government is unable, incapable, and unauthorized constitutionally and nationally for the Lebanese leadership to give such a dangerous concession that threatens Lebanons’ future,” he said.

He added that Hezbollah would not remain silent if Israel continues its attacks in southern Lebanon.

The comments came as Fadlallah also pointed to Iran’s involvement in informing Hezbollah leadership about ceasefire developments hours before public announcements.

“Yesterday, before the ceasefire, Hezbollah’s leadership was formally informed around 4am from the Iranian ambassador that there will be a ceasefire at night,” he said. “We were informed from the Islamic Republic that the calls they took with Saudi Arabia and Pakistan were encouraging and facilitating for a ceasefire as first step.”

Fadlallah reiterated that Hezbollah’s core demands remain unchanged, including a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, the return of displaced Lebanese civilians, the release of prisoners held by Israel, and reconstruction efforts.

By Vafa Guliyeva