Hezbollah urges Lebanon to exit direct talks with Israel, push for indirect negotiations

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem vowed the group would not surrender and urged Lebanon to withdraw from direct negotiations with Israel in favor of indirect talks, arguing the current talks benefit Israel. He highlighted Hezbollah’s willingness to stay on the battlefield and outlined five Lebanese aims: stopping Israeli attacks, removing all IDF presence and deploying the Lebanese Army in the southern Litani area, freeing prisoners, returning displaced people, and reconstruction. He also noted Iran’s support and referenced a US-Iran deal that included a ceasefire in Lebanon, while Lebanon’s President Aoun pressed the US to pressure Israel to halt operations.