Hezbollah Chief Naim Qassem Rejects Lebanon-Israel Negotiations

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem rejected direct negotiations between the Lebanese government and Israel during a televised speech from Baalbek on Tuesday. Qassem characterized the diplomatic efforts as a source of "shame, humiliation" and "bitter disappointment," accusing Lebanese authorities of making substantial concessions to appease Israel instead of defending national rights.

Qassem argued that the Lebanese government has failed to achieve any meaningful results, while asserting that Israel has achieved its primary objectives. He cited the Israeli army's use of 700 tons of explosives near Beaufort Castle as evidence of continued aggression. He further claimed that the cessation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon was a direct result of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding signed between the United States and Iran on June 17.

To restore domestic stability, Qassem urged government officials to cease negotiations with Israel and instead engage in dialogue with Hezbollah. He criticized the Lebanese authorities for failing to pursue the objectives of the United States.