Hezbollah rejects direct talks with Israel, reaffirms refusal to disarm

Hezbollah has categorically rejected the possibility of direct negotiations with Israel and ruled out any discussion of disarmament, according to remarks by its secretary-general.

Hezbollah's Secretary-General Naim Qassem said the movement “categorically rejects direct negotiations” and warned Lebanese authorities that their current approach “will not benefit Lebanon," Caliber.Az reports per the movement's Telegram channel. 

He outlined what five-point framework for resolving the crisis: an end to aggression by land, sea, and air; Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories; the release of prisoners; the return of displaced residents and reconstruction of damaged areas; and broader rehabilitation efforts.

Qassem also urged Lebanon’s leadership to reconsider its political direction, including a return to indirect negotiations and opposition to measures he said aim to criminalise resistance activities.

He argued that the current government “cannot continue to rule if it renounces Lebanon’s rights” and said it must act on the basis of national consensus.

Describing armed resistance as defensive, Qassem said, “the main problem is aggression, and resistance is a reaction, not a cause.” He added that Hezbollah “will not renounce our weapons or our defence” and “will continue the resistance,” framing the situation as a choice between “liberation and dignity, or occupation and humiliation.”

By Sabina Mammadli