Beirut: Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem affirmed the group's stance against surrendering or withdrawing from its confrontation with Israel, while firmly rejecting the possibility of direct negotiations with the Israeli side.
According to National News Agency - Lebanon, Qassem addressed Hezbollah fighters, emphasizing that a potential US-Iran agreement, which includes measures to halt attacks on Lebanon, represents the most effective approach to cease the Israeli offensive. He advocated for indirect negotiations, warning that direct talks could provide Israel with 'pure gains' and compel 'free concessions' from the Lebanese state.
Qassem highlighted that matters concerning Hezbollah's weapons and Lebanon's internal affairs are strictly domestic issues. He further asserted that discussions on a national defense strategy would only be possible after Lebanon's sovereign demands are met. These demands include the cessation of Israeli attacks, withdrawal from occupied territories, and the reconstruction of affected areas.