Hezbollah MP calls Lebanon-Israel Rome talks "waste of time"

A Hezbollah lawmaker has dismissed the upcoming negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Rome, arguing that renewed dialogue with Israel is unlikely to produce meaningful results.

A Hezbollah member of the Lebanese parliament, Ali Mokdad, described the planned talks as "simply a waste of time," saying that the majority of Lebanon's political parties and factions oppose any agreement with Israel, Al Akhbar reports.

Addressing calls to place all weapons under state control, Mokdad said the group's "weapons of the resistance" would remain in place to defend Lebanon and protect its sovereignty.

According to Lebanese sources, representatives of Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to begin negotiations in Rome on July 14 at 10:00 a.m. local time.

Lebanese broadcaster LBCI reported that President Joseph Aoun has instructed the country's negotiating team to prioritize the implementation of "pilot zones," the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the deployment of the Lebanese Army, and the launch of infrastructure reconstruction efforts during the talks.

By Vafa Guliyeva