Direct negotiations in Washington are only meant to 'obey American dictates,' Hezbollah accuses

BEIRUT — Hezbollah strongly criticized the upcoming direct Lebanon–Israel talks in Washington, saying they are meant to serve U.S. interests and undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty.

Hezbollah added: "There is absolutely no reason to hope that these negotiations will yield anything positive, as they are based on a mistaken and suspicious premise, and their objective is submission and capitulation."

Hezbollah is concerned that these discussions could be "an obstacle" to resistance efforts on the ground, asserting that Lebanese authorities "could benefit from the immense sacrifices" of the people. It considers that the continuation of these direct negotiations is "in violation of the National Pact, the Constitution and the laws, and represents a capitulation to the maneuvers of the United States and Israel."

Fadlallah: 'Take advantage' of Iran's support

For his part, Hezbollah MP Hassan Fadlallah welcomed the fact that cessation of hostilities in Lebanon is a "precondition for the ongoing negotiations in Switzerland" between Iran and the United States. "The Islamic Republic has made it clear to us that there will be no talks before a cease-fire, nor any agreement before the withdrawal of the enemy army from Lebanon," he emphasized.

Iran and the United States have signed a memorandum of understanding and began negotiations in Switzerland on Sunday, aiming for a final agreement within 60 days. Tehran has made a cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon central demands in the talks.

Addressing the issue of direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel in Washington, the MP asked "what are the assets of the Lebanese authorities, what capabilities do they have, what do they wish to negotiate on, and what concessions are they prepared to make." Hezbollah has opposed these direct talks since the first rounds in April, believing that Lebanon should be part of regional negotiations.

Fadlallah told Lebanese authorities that "the resistance does not support them, nor does a large portion of the people, whereas the Islamic Republic is with us, supports our cause and stands with Lebanon." He called on them to "take advantage of this major asset" represented by Iran, assuring that "this country does not want to replace the state."

President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam have upheld a sovereigntist stance since the Hezbollah-Israel conflict began on March 2. They favor direct negotiations with Israel and restoring the state's monopoly on arms. The Lebanese government has considered Hezbollah’s military activities outside the law since the start of the war.