Hezbollah leadership rejects plan for Lebanon–Israel talks in the United States

International Desk: PNN

The senior leader of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, Naim Qassem, has rejected the proposed plan for talks between the Lebanese government and Israel in the United States, describing it as “ineffective.”

In a televised address on Monday, he urged the Lebanese government not to participate in the meeting and to adopt a “historic and courageous position” against Israel.

According to the proposed plan, preliminary talks between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors are scheduled to take place in Washington on Tuesday, which could potentially open the way for direct negotiations between the two sides.

Naim Qassem accused the initiative of being a strategy aimed at disarming Hezbollah. He said that if the main purpose of the talks is to force the group to surrender its weapons, then participation in such a meeting is meaningless.

He added that Hezbollah would never surrender under pressure and that the situation would ultimately be decided on the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Israel has recently intensified attacks in Lebanon. Even after the ceasefire declared at the end of 2024, cross-border strikes have continued almost regularly.

The ongoing Israeli attacks and clashes have resulted in significant casualties and displacement in Lebanon, according to multiple reports. Tensions continue to rise along the southern border region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the goal is a long-term peace agreement while simultaneously reducing Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

Meanwhile, protests have taken place in Beirut against the proposed talks. Protesters described any direct negotiation with Israel as an act of betrayal.

Analysts believe that this diplomatic initiative amid ongoing tensions could further complicate the situation in the Middle East.