Hezbollah Chief, Lebanese PM Clash Over Israel Talks

Hezbollah's chief, Naim Qassem, strongly criticized the ongoing direct talks between Lebanon and Israel, asserting that such negotiations would only bring Lebanon "shame, humiliation, disappointment, and successive concessions." He accused Lebanese authorities of aiding Israel rather than protecting Lebanon's sovereignty by continuing talks that he claimed provided Israel with political advantages.

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All the direct negotiations will bring Lebanon nothing but shame, humiliation, disappointment and successive concessions.

Qassem's remarks, delivered in a televised address, came as Lebanon and Israel were set to hold their seventh round of US-sponsored direct talks in Rome. He also criticized Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, stating the president had not acted as an impartial arbiter but had become divisive, which Qassem deemed incompatible with his role and Lebanon's strength.

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam swiftly responded to Qassem's accusations via X, formerly Twitter. Salam argued that the greatest assistance to Israel was provided by those who unilaterally plunged Lebanon into "futile wars" and gave Israel pretexts to attack the country. He contended that those who unilaterally decide on war and attempt to seize state decision-making, tying Lebanon to foreign agendas while disregarding the interests of their own community and the Lebanese people, are unfit to lecture on patriotism or sovereignty.

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The greatest help to Israel was provided by those who unilaterally drew Lebanon into the adventures of futile wars… and granted it pretexts to attack our country.

Salam emphasized that Lebanon's sovereignty rests on the state's sole, independent decision-making power, supported by a unified army extending its authority over all territory. Hezbollah has consistently rejected direct talks and refused to disarm. While violence has decreased since a previous Lebanon-Israel agreement, intermittent Israeli strikes, shelling, and destruction in southern villages continue. Qassem questioned whether the "systematic destruction" of southern towns should not be a reason for Lebanese authorities to reject dialogue with Israel, vowing to provide means for shelter and reconstruction, though he cautioned this would require patience.

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Lebanon has no sovereignty except for the sole independent decision of the state with one army which extends its authority over all its territory.