Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem criticized the direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel that begin today in Rome, arguing that they represent the “shame and humiliation” of the Lebanese people.
In a televised speech during a ceremony held by his party, Qassem said that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun “did not act as an arbiter or unifier, but became partial and divisive, which is incompatible with his role and with Lebanon’s strength.”
“Shouldn’t the systematic destruction of cities and towns in the south be reason for political authorities to say: ‘We do not want dialogue with the Israeli entity’?” Qassem questioned.
The Hezbollah leader stated that “this is completely incompatible with those who wish for the sovereignty and unity of the homeland.” Qassem also emphasized the responsibility of the United States, under whose “supervision and approval” the “systematic destruction” of southern Lebanon was carried out. He offered words of support and recognition to the Lebanese people for the sacrifices they made in facing Israeli attacks.
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“We will confront those who collaborate with the Israeli project and implement its plans against the resistance, its people and our homeland, just as we confront the Israeli enemy,” Qassem warned, stressing that “Lebanon cannot be stable while its south suffers.”
Qassem stated that the Lebanese Government “has nothing more to offer after giving everything away for free” and that Aoun is an “ally of Israel.” The Hezbollah leader also said today that he is open to a “public meeting” with Syria’s new Government, something unprecedented for his party, which had committed to supporting deposed former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad.
“Nothing prevents a public meeting between Hezbollah and the Syrian leadership when both sides consider it appropriate,” said Qassem, advocating for “fraternal, positive and cooperative relations” between the two countries.
These statements come after American President Donald Trump called for Damascus to intervene against the Lebanese Shiite group, while Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, meanwhile, declared that he refused to intervene militarily in Lebanon.
