Hezbollah rejects Beirut-Tel Aviv talks, calls them ‘absurd’

• Hezbollah urges cancellation of first Lebanon-'Israel' diplomatic talks in decades.
• Says any agreements will not be recognized or binding.

Hezbollah has called for the cancellation of planned talks between Lebanon and 'Israel', describing the meetings as “absurd” and warning that the group will not recognize any outcomes.

The remarks were made by Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, who said the negotiations lack internal Lebanese consensus and should not proceed without national agreement.

The talks, scheduled to take place Tuesday in Washington at the U.S. State Department, would bring together Lebanese and 'Israeli' envoys at ambassador level for the first time in decades.

Hezbollah rejects legitimacy of negotiations

Qassem said Lebanon should not be drawn into direct engagement with 'Israel', arguing that such a move requires broad political agreement.

He also warned against any agreements emerging from the talks, stating that Hezbollah would not be bound by them.

A senior Hezbollah political official, Wafiq Safa, echoed the stance, saying the group is not concerned with the negotiations and will not adhere to their results.

Washington meeting draws attention

According to U.S. media reports, the meeting is expected to include U.S. officials, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio reportedly participating. The discussions are described as preliminary efforts aimed at reducing military escalation and exploring potential de-escalation pathways.

Israeli media reported that its envoy to the United States has instructions not to agree to a ceasefire during the talks.

Lebanese government position

Lebanese officials have described the meeting as preparatory and focused on reducing hostilities. Culture Minister Ghassan Salame said any discussion of peace must follow a halt in military strikes, noting that efforts to assert state authority remain a priority.

He added that disarming Hezbollah is a long-term process that cannot be achieved quickly.

Political tensions inside Lebanon

Qassem said any move toward negotiations with 'Israel' must be based on internal Lebanese consensus, warning that bypassing it would be unacceptable.

Hezbollah supporters staged protests in Beirut over the weekend against the planned talks, accusing the government of political concessions.

Lebanon has repeatedly called for a ceasefire, while 'Israel' has maintained that its objective includes dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities and reshaping long-term security arrangements in the region.