Hezbollah chief rejects Lebanon-Israel framework deal

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem has rejected the framework agreement concerning a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, expressing serious reservations over the proposed phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon.

According to international media reports, Qassem accused the Lebanese government of exposing the country’s military to unnecessary pressure and danger.

He said that instead of protecting the Lebanese Armed Forces from Israeli attacks and pressure, the government was making the military part of arrangements that could lead to external oversight of its operations and internal affairs.

Qassem questioned why the Lebanese army was being subjected to continued humiliation and pushed into a position where it had to face Israeli bombardment and pressure, arguing that the state should instead be protecting its armed forces.

He reiterated that Hezbollah does not accept direct negotiations or the proposed framework agreement.

The group maintains that demanding its disarmament while Israel continues to maintain a military presence and carry out attacks is unacceptable.

Lebanon Supports Diplomatic Talks

Meanwhile, the Lebanese government considers diplomatic negotiations with Israel and an expanded deployment of state forces in southern Lebanon important steps toward strengthening the country’s sovereignty and security.

During talks between Lebanon and Israel held in Rome last week, the sides also discussed which countries should be included in a proposed committee tasked with monitoring and verifying the deployment of Lebanese forces in designated “pilot zones” and the dismantling of Hezbollah’s weapons and infrastructure.

Lebanese presidential sources told AFP that the talks included discussions on the monitoring mechanism and the formation of the proposed committee.

Qassem strongly objected to the proposed monitoring system, saying Israel was seeking to impose an investigative committee on Lebanon that would oversee the deployment, operations and internal affairs of the Lebanese army.

He questioned, “Where is patriotism? Where is the dignity of the army that must be protected?”

US to Host New Round of Talks

The United States announced on Tuesday that it would host a new round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. The talks are expected to take place in Rome in early September.

Washington is seeking to reduce tensions between the two countries and make progress on contentious issues, including security arrangements in southern Lebanon, the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army.

However, Hezbollah’s continued rejection of the framework agreement has complicated the diplomatic process.

Qassem called on Lebanese officials to review and withdraw the framework agreement.

What the Framework Agreement Includes

In June this year, Lebanon, Israel and the United States reached a trilateral framework aimed at ending the ongoing tensions between the two sides and gradually normalizing security arrangements in southern Lebanon.

The agreement includes measures for the disarmament of Hezbollah and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from areas of southern Lebanon where Israeli troops have established positions.

Following the Israeli withdrawal, Lebanese forces are expected to be deployed in those areas. The process is initially being implemented in several designated areas referred to as “pilot zones.”