Qassem says Lebanon-Israel deal puts undue pressure on army

Hezbollah chief Sheikh Naim Qassem accused Lebanese authorities of subjecting the country's armed forces to undue pressure through a framework deal with Israel aimed at ending hostilities. The trilateral agreement, involving the United States, mandates the disarmament of Hezbollah and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied southern Lebanon.

Under the deal, the Lebanese Army is to deploy to areas vacated by Israeli forces, starting with designated "pilot zones." Qassem questioned the authorities' decision to expose the army to potential "bombardment and Israeli pressures" instead of protecting it. He spoke during a speech, criticizing the framework's implementation.

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How can you accept this ongoing humiliation of the Lebanese Army, exposing it to bombardment and Israeli pressures, instead of acting as its protectors?

Discussions between Lebanon and Israel last week in Rome addressed potential participants for a committee tasked with verifying the Lebanese Army's deployment in pilot zones and the clearance of Hezbollah's weapons and infrastructure, according to a Lebanese presidency source. Qassem voiced strong objections, asking, "Where is the patriotism? Where is the dignity of the army that ought to be preserved?"

Hezbollah has consistently rejected direct talks with Israel and refuses to surrender its weapons. The United States announced it would sponsor a new round of negotiations in Rome in early September. However, Qassem reiterated the group's firm rejection of the framework deal and urged Lebanese officials to reverse it.

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Israel is attempting to bind Lebanon to an inquiry committee that oversees the army's deployment, operations, and internal details. Where is the patriotism? Where is the dignity of the army that ought to be preserved?