On Thursday, Hezbollah vehemently opposed any political negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, asserting its right to self-defense.
A source close to Hezbollah’s political leadership informed AFP that this stance follows recent pressure from the US and Egypt on Lebanon’s leaders to initiate direct negotiations.
While Lebanon and Israel are technically still at war, recent conflicts with Israel have been led by Hezbollah rather than the Lebanese military.
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Diplomatic contact between Israel and Lebanon is limited to a ceasefire monitoring mechanism involving the United States, France, and the United Nations.
This body meets regularly at the UN force headquarters in southern Lebanon, but direct communication between Lebanese and Israeli parties does not occur.
Disarmament Campaign
Hezbollah, the sole group that refused to disarm after the 1975-1990 civil war, claims a duty to liberate Israeli-occupied territory and defend the country.
In an open letter, Hezbollah rejected “any political negotiations” with Israel, arguing such talks do not benefit the national interest.
Supported by Iran, which fought its own conflict with Israel earlier this year, Hezbollah stated, “We reaffirm our legitimate right to defend against an enemy that imposes war and continues attacks.”
The group remains committed to a ceasefire with Israel established last year following months of escalating hostilities.
Israel recently warned it might intensify operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the group of rearming.
US envoy Tom Barrack suggested that dialogue with Israel might ease tensions.
The Lebanese government is set to meet on Thursday to evaluate disarmament efforts regarding Hezbollah.
Despite the November 2024 ceasefire that ended the latest conflict, Israel maintains troops in five southern Lebanon areas and continues strikes.
The US has increased pressure on Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, a move opposed by the group and its allies.
‘Rushed Decision’
Recently, Israel has intensified strikes on Lebanon, citing Hezbollah targets.
President Joseph Aoun criticized Israel’s increased strikes, expressing openness to negotiation.
The Lebanese government has tasked the army with a disarmament plan for Hezbollah, yet Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz accused Aoun of delays.
Katz stated, “The Lebanese government’s commitment to disarm Hezbollah and remove it from southern Lebanon must be enforced. We will intensify efforts to eliminate threats to northern residents.”
Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of rearming after heavy losses during its last war with Israel.
In September 2024, Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s longtime leader, along with other senior figures.
The ceasefire agreement mandates the army to disarm Hezbollah in the south near the Israeli border by year’s end, before addressing disarmament across Lebanon.
Hezbollah criticized the government’s “rushed decision” to disarm, claiming Israel exploits this push.
