Hezbollah Rejects New Deal with Israel, Vows Not to Surrender

Hezbollah's secretary-general, Naim Qassem, has firmly rejected a framework agreement negotiated between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, asserting that the Iran-aligned Lebanese Shiite movement will not surrender. Qassem's stance, delivered during a televised speech, signals continued defiance despite the group's perceived weakening following two wars with the Israeli army since 2023.

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We are against the framework agreement and call for it to be abandoned

"We are against the framework agreement and call for it to be abandoned," Qassem stated, characterizing the deal as "unjust, illegal, and humiliating." He argued that the agreement undermines Lebanese national sovereignty and prevents the recovery of the country's rights. Specifically, Hezbollah opposes the concept of "pilot zones" from which Israeli troops would withdraw, a condition tied to the disarmament of Hezbollah.

The U.S.-brokered agreement, signed on June 26, proposes that the Lebanese army would regain control over southern areas. However, this is contingent on Hezbollah's disarmament, beginning in these "pilot zones." Qassem explicitly rejected these zones and any outcomes stemming from them, including the proposed verification committee tasked with overseeing the agreement's implementation.

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The framework agreement is unjust, illegal, and humiliating. It strikes a blow to Lebanese national sovereignty and does not allow us to regain our rights

Recent discussions in Rome between Lebanese and Israeli government representatives involved identifying countries willing to participate in a verification committee. This committee would monitor the development of the Lebanese army, particularly in the pilot zones, and oversee the destruction of Hezbollah's weapons and infrastructure. Further negotiations are scheduled for September.

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We do not accept either the pilot zones or what stems from them

Hezbollah is accused of drawing Lebanon into the conflict in the Middle East, launching rockets against Israel in response to the death of Iran's supreme leader. The Israeli army retaliated with extensive bombings and a ground invasion, resulting in over 4,300 deaths according to Lebanese authorities. While sporadic Israeli bombings continue, Hezbollah, despite not claiming responsibility for attacks in over two months, maintains a defiant posture, with Qassem stating, "we hold our heads high and do not surrender."

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the group "refuses the verification committee"