Hezbollah Condemns Direct Negotiations with Israel, Calling Them a Path to 'Submission and Surrender'

Hezbollah has strongly condemned the ongoing direct negotiation rounds between a Lebanese state delegation and Israel in Washington, stating that their true objective is "submission and surrender," according to a report by Al Mayadeen. 

In a statement released on Sunday and cited by Al Mayadeen, Hezbollah’s Media Relations office argued that these US-brokered talks usurp Lebanon’s sovereignty. The group warned that by participating, the Lebanese state is shifting the country's political position into the "camp of those reconciling with the Zionist occupation."

The group expressed zero expectations for any positive outcome from the diplomatic track. According to Al Mayadeen, Hezbollah described the foundation of the negotiations as "wrong and suspicious," reiterating its stance that the talks are designed solely to force Lebanon into submission. 

Furthermore, the statement condemned the broader approach of direct negotiations with Israel, accusing the talks of playing a "disruptive role" and acting as an obstacle to the resistance's efforts against the occupation project. Hezbollah claimed the Lebanese authority is squandering its "cards of strength"—leverage that could otherwise be used to secure a full and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

The group also lashed out at the Lebanese authority for continuing to attend the sessions, which Al Mayadeen noted Hezbollah views as merely executing "daily orders" issued by the US administration. The statement accused Lebanese officials of acting unilaterally and in isolation, thereby violating the national pact, the constitution, and the law. By complying with US and Israeli directives, Hezbollah warned, the state is exacerbating the risks to Lebanon's stability, independence, and sovereignty.

This hardline stance comes just days before a new round of US-mediated direct negotiations between the Lebanese delegation and Israeli officials is scheduled to take place in Washington. As highlighted by Al Mayadeen, this diplomatic path faces widespread public rejection in Lebanon, a sentiment amplified by ongoing Israeli aggressions and persistent violations of the ceasefire agreement.