Beirut, Lebanon – In a political escalation reflecting the deep internal divisions in Lebanon, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem reiterated on Monday his categorical rejection of any direct negotiations with Israel. He affirmed that the resistance’s weapons “remain” as the sole defensive option, one that will not be relinquished. In an official statement, Qassem described the current negotiating track as a “gratuitous, humiliating, and unnecessary concession.” He also stressed that the results of these negotiations “are as if they do not exist” and are of no concern to the party whatsoever.
Outright rejection and five conditions
Qassem addressed a strongly worded message to Lebanese officials, warning against succumbing to the dictates of the “Israeli-American enemy.” He also clarified that the only way out of the crisis lies in implementing five essential points: a complete cessation of aggression (by land, sea, and air), a full Israeli withdrawal, the release of prisoners, the return of displaced persons to their villages, and comprehensive reconstruction.
Qassem criticized the current government’s performance, accusing it of “squandering Lebanon’s rights, surrendering territory, and confronting its own resistant people.” He also called on the government to adhere to the Taif Agreement constitution, stipulating that it should be “the authority of the people through consensus,” not the authority of “a faction.” He emphasized the necessity of an immediate return to indirect negotiations.
The weapon of resistance and the March decision
In the context of the internal confrontation, Qassem appealed to the Lebanese authorities to rescind their decision issued on March 2nd, which he described as “criminalizing the resistance and its supporters,” who represent more than half of the Lebanese population. He argued that this decision obstructs any genuine internal dialogue. He affirmed that the weapons are a “defensive response” to counter the “Greater Israel” project, which aims to occupy Lebanon. He also emphasized that the party will not relinquish its military strength under pressure.
The statement concluded by thanking the Islamic Republic of Iran, noting that the ceasefire was achieved thanks to Tehran’s role in the Pakistani talks and the resilience of the resistance movement. It also delivered a final message of defiance to the occupation, asserting: “We will not return to the pre-March 2nd status quo, and we will respond to and confront the aggression. No matter how much the enemy threatens, we will not back down, we will not bow down, and we will not be defeated.” This leaves the door open to the possibility of confrontation if Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty continue.
