Beirut: Hezbollah Secretary General, Naim Qassem, declared on Monday that the Iran-backed militia would not engage in direct negotiations with Israel and would continue its 'defensive resistance' against ongoing attacks. In a written statement, Qassem emphasized that Israel, supported by the United States, had not succeeded in defeating Hezbollah.
According to Ghana News Agency, Qassem stated that Israeli forces had encountered strong resistance and had reached a 'dead end.' He warned that Hezbollah would continue to respond to attacks and would not disarm, asserting its weapons as crucial for defense against Israeli aggression. He also mentioned that Hezbollah would persist in fighting until all occupied Lebanese territory is regained.
Qassem's remarks came as Israel's military announced it carried out fresh strikes on Hezbollah on Monday, despite a ceasefire being formally in place. The Israeli military reported targeting infrastructure in southern Lebanon and the eastern Bekaa Valley, areas not hit since the truce took effect. Lebanese security sources noted heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds, with no immediate reports of casualties.
Over 2,500 people have been killed in Lebanon since early March in the latest hostilities, as reported by the health ministry in Beirut. More than 7,800 people have been wounded.
Israeli media indicated that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz, and senior security officials convened earlier to discuss alleged Hezbollah violations of the ceasefire. Israel also reported a Hezbollah drone strike on its northern region, which triggered air raid sirens.
A ceasefire was announced in mid-April by US President Donald Trump following discussions with Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. Trump recently extended the truce by three weeks to allow for diplomatic efforts.
Under the ceasefire terms, Israel may act against imminent or ongoing threats but is expected to avoid broader offensive operations inside Lebanon. However, Netanyahu has instructed the military to intensify strikes on Hezbollah targets.
Despite the truce, violence has continued. On Sunday, Lebanon's health ministry reported Israeli strikes on the south killed 14 people, including two children, and wounded 37 others.
Qassem detailed conditions for any settlement, such as a complete halt to hostilities across land, sea, and air, Israel's withdrawal from occupied territory, prisoner releases, the return of displaced residents, and reconstruction.
Hezbollah was not directly involved in the US-mediated ceasefire talks but had indicated adherence to the truce, provided Israel also suspended its attacks. The Lebanese government lacks direct control over the group, though Parliament Speaker and Hezbollah ally Nabih Berri plays a key role in negotiations.
Meanwhile, President Aoun dismissed Hezbollah's accusations of treason over negotiations with Israel, stating that those who lead Lebanon into wars serving foreign interests are the ones committing 'treason.' He defended the government's decision to pursue talks, urging critics to await the outcome.
Aoun emphasized that a ceasefire is necessary for any political process, adding that Lebanese officials have communicated this position to the United States. He expressed his aim to guide Lebanon out of conflict and towards an agreement similar to the 1949 Armistice Agreement, questioning whether such arrangements should be viewed as concessions.
Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah flared up again after Hezbollah initiated attacks at the start of the US-Israeli war on Iran on February 28. The Israeli military responded by intensifying strikes on Lebanon and occupying parts of southern Lebanon near the border.