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🇮🇱 Israel /Elections & Politics

Hezbollah's Qassem rejects 'direct negotiations' with Israel, will respond to 'Israeli aggression'

From Jerusalem Post · (4m ago) English Critical tone

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • Hezbollah's Secretary-General Naim Qassem stated that the organization "categorically rejects direct negotiations" with Israel.
  • Qassem asserted that any direct negotiations are irrelevant to Hezbollah and that indirect negotiations are the responsibility of the Lebanese government.
  • He also vowed that Hezbollah would respond to "Israeli aggression" and continue its resistance, emphasizing the group's enduring capabilities.

Hezbollah, through its Secretary-General Naim Qassem, has unequivocally rejected any possibility of direct negotiations with the Israeli enemy. This firm stance, articulated on Monday, underscores the organization's unwavering commitment to its resistance agenda and its refusal to legitimize any direct engagement with what it terms the 'Israeli entity.' Qassem emphasized that such direct talks are a matter for the Lebanese government, asserting that they hold no bearing on Hezbollah's position or actions.

It is the responsibility of the Lebanese government to stop direct negotiations with the Israeli enemy and return to indirect negotiations.

— Naim QassemStating Hezbollah's position on direct negotiations with Israel.

Qassem's remarks also served as a clear warning to Israel, stating that Hezbollah's resistance is ongoing, strong, and cannot be defeated. He vowed that the organization would respond to any 'Israeli aggression' and would not retreat or be defeated, regardless of threats. This defiant tone highlights Hezbollah's self-perception as an unyielding force, built on a 'triad of faith, will, and capability,' capable of defending Lebanon's rights and occupied lands.

Direct negotiations and their outcomes "are as if they do not exist as far as we are concerned, and they do not concern us, neither closely nor distantly."

— Naim QassemEmphasizing Hezbollah's rejection of direct talks with Israel.

Furthermore, Qassem called on the Lebanese government to annul its decision criminalizing Hezbollah, advocating for an internal dialogue that prioritizes Lebanon's interests. He stressed the importance of unity within Lebanon, particularly with the Amal Movement and other 'honorable parties,' stating, 'Just as we resisted together, we will rebuild together.' This call for internal cohesion, coupled with the external defiance towards Israel, paints a picture of Hezbollah positioning itself as both a bulwark against foreign aggression and a unifying force within Lebanon, albeit on its own terms.

Israel has "reached a dead end," and Hezbollah's "resistance is ongoing, strong, and cannot be defeated."

— Naim QassemAsserting the strength and invincibility of Hezbollah's resistance.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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