Hezbollah leader calls for Lebanon to withdraw from direct negotiations
The Jerusalem Post • • world
Key Points:
- Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared the group’s refusal to surrender and called for an end to direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, criticizing them as benefiting Israel and involving Lebanese concessions.
- Qassem emphasized Hezbollah’s commitment to remaining on the battlefield and accused Israel and the US of attempting to annex Lebanon as part of “Greater Israel,” stating that sacrifices are preferable to surrender.
- He advocated for indirect negotiations where Lebanese negotiators hold the power and outlined five goals for Lebanon, including stopping Israeli attacks, removing Israeli forces, freeing prisoners, returning displaced people, and reconstruction.
- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun urged the US to pressure Israel to halt military operations in southern Lebanon amid rising casualties, stressing the need to stop destruction and discuss ongoing peace talks.
- Aoun and US Ambassador Michel Issa also reviewed preparations for a third round of talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives scheduled to take place in Washington.