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Israel Military Says Soldier Killed in southern Lebanon
🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia /Conflict & Security

Israel Military Says Soldier Killed in southern Lebanon

From Asharq Al-Awsat · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Context piece
  • Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem expressed hope for an Iran-US agreement that would include Lebanon.
  • He stated that Hezbollah's weapons are a Lebanese internal matter and not subject to discussion in Washington, rejecting disarmament.
  • Qassem asserted that Lebanon faces an "existential threat" and Hezbollah will not yield.

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem voiced optimism regarding a potential agreement between Iran and the United States, expressing hope that Lebanon would be included in its terms. Qassem stated that signs point to the finalization of such an agreement, which he believes would lead to a "full cessation of hostilities."

God willing, this agreement will be finalized and there are signs of its completion, and accordingly that we too will be among those included in this agreement -- an agreement of a full cessation of hostilities.

— Naim QassemHezbollah chief Naim Qassem expressed his hope for a finalized Iran-US agreement that would include Lebanon and lead to a cessation of hostilities.

Speaking on Hezbollah's Al-Manar television channel, Qassem emphasized that Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, is in a strong position and will emerge from the regional conflict with its "head high." These expectations for a Middle East deal come as Lebanon prepares for further direct talks with Israel in Washington, preceded by military delegation meetings.

Direct negotiations are completely unacceptable and are a pure gain for Israel.

— Naim QassemQassem rejected direct negotiations with Israel, calling them unacceptable and beneficial only to Israel, while urging Lebanese authorities to pursue a national understanding instead.

However, Qassem reiterated Hezbollah's firm rejection of direct negotiations with Israel, characterizing the United States, a key Israeli ally, as an untrustworthy mediator. He urged Lebanese authorities to abandon direct talks and instead pursue a "national understanding," warning against actions that could be perceived as betrayal.

Disarmament means stripping Lebanon of its defensive capability and the capability of the resistance (Hezbollah) and this people, paving the way for annihilation.

— Naim QassemHezbollah's chief explained that disarmament would leave Lebanon defenseless and vulnerable to destruction.

Despite facing significant losses, Hezbollah maintains its stance that its arsenal is an internal Lebanese affair, not a subject for international negotiation. Qassem argued that disarmament would strip Lebanon of its defensive capabilities and leave it vulnerable to "annihilation." He condemned any state monopoly on weapons as an Israeli project aimed at eliminating the resistance movement, concluding that "all the facts prove that we and our people face an existential threat."

All the facts prove that we and our people face an existential threat.

— Naim QassemQassem asserted that Hezbollah and the Lebanese people are facing an existential threat.
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Originally published by Asharq Al-Awsat. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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