The head of the Hezbollah bloc in the Lebanese parliament, Mohammad Raad said that direct negotiations with Israel are “rejected and condemned,” describing them as a “fall for the Lebanese authority.”
In a statement, Raad criticised the meeting held in Washington between representatives of Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, saying it reflects what he described as a low priority given to Lebanese affairs in US policy.
He said that the outcome of what he called a “shameful session” undermines the Lebanese authorities’ stated position that a ceasefire should precede any negotiations, and questioned their commitment to sovereignty.
Raad added that such talks, in his view, indicate submission to external demands, and argued that they aim not to end the Israeli occupation but to address the issue of disarming the Lebanese resistance.
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He reiterated that direct negotiations with Israel remain unacceptable, warning against steps that could affect Lebanon’s sovereignty and national dignity.
The remarks come after Lebanon and Israel held their first official meeting in Washington, which concluded with a trilateral statement.
According to the statement, Lebanon stressed the need to fully implement the cessation of hostilities framework, while affirming its territorial integrity and sovereignty, and calling for a ceasefire and steps to address the humanitarian situation.
The United States stated that any agreement to halt hostilities should take place under its auspices, noting that negotiations could contribute to reconstruction efforts in Lebanon, and reaffirmed Israel’s right to self-defence.
The parties agreed to initiate direct negotiations, with the timing and location to be determined by mutual agreement.
READ: Lebanon’s Amal Movement rejects Washington meeting, rules out direct talks with Israel
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