Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem on Monday firmly rejected any direct negotiations with Israel, urging Lebanon’s government to halt such efforts. He stated that authorities must instead return to indirect channels, according to remarks reported by Al Mayadeen. Moreover, he dismissed any outcomes from direct talks, asserting they hold no relevance for the group.
Government stance under fire
Qassem sharply criticized the Lebanese government, accusing it of compromising national interests. He argued that officials cannot continue governing while conceding land and undermining Lebanon’s rights. In addition, he claimed the government has aligned itself with Israel against its own citizens. He also called for reversing a March 2 decision that criminalizes Hezbollah, insisting such a step would reopen space for internal dialogue focused on national priorities.
At the same time, Qassem emphasized that Israel has reached what he described as a “dead end.” He maintained that Hezbollah’s resistance remains strong and enduring, built on what he called faith, will, and capability. Furthermore, he declared that Israeli forces would not remain on any occupied Lebanese territory, stressing that displaced citizens would eventually return.
Regional alliances and future outlook
Meanwhile, Qassem highlighted cooperation with allied groups, particularly the Amal Movement. He stressed unity among political and sectarian factions, saying they would act collectively in both resistance and reconstruction. Additionally, he reaffirmed Hezbollah’s commitment to confronting Israeli actions, vowing the group would neither retreat nor surrender under pressure. In conclusion, Qassem underscored resilience and unity as central to Hezbollah’s strategy moving forward.
