Hezbollah blasts Lebanese government's participation in direct talks
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- Hezbollah rejected Netanyahu's assertion that 'Israel' possesses "freedom of action" in Lebanon based on a US-brokered agreement.
- The group justified its recent rocket attacks as a legitimate response to more than 500 alleged 'Israeli' ceasefire violations.
- Hezbollah vowed to continue its armed resistance, stating it will not rely on "failed diplomacy" or a "helpless authority" to defend the country.
Hezbollah released a strongly worded statement on Sunday, condemning recent remarks by 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and issuing a harsh rebuke of the Lebanese government's participation in ongoing negotiations in Washington.
The statement comes amidst a fragile, extended ceasefire and escalating tensions over the parameters of the truce.
Rejection of 'Freedom of Action'
Hezbollah directly addressed Netanyahu's recent claims that the group is undermining the ceasefire and that 'Israel' retains the "freedom to act" in Lebanon under an agreement with the United States and Lebanon.
The group denied Lebanon's involvement in such terms, warning of the extreme danger of "attempting to entangle the Lebanese authorities in a bilateral agreement that occurred only between 'Israel' and Washington."
Hezbollah stressed that Lebanon had no say or position in that specific agreement and therefore did not approve it. The group asked the Lebanese government to issue a clear explanation to its citizens regarding Netanyahu's claims of an agreement granting 'Israel' the freedom to attack and destroy.
Retaliation for alleged violations
Addressing the recent exchange of fire, Hezbollah framed its continued targeting of 'Israeli' military gatherings in occupied territories and its shelling of northern 'Israeli' settlements as a "legitimate response" to persistent 'Israeli' aggression.
According to the statement, 'Israel' has committed over 500 violations of the temporary truce since its inception. Hezbollah detailed that these breaches occurred across land, sea, and air, involving the bombing and destruction of homes in southern Lebanon, which the group says has resulted in the deaths and injuries of dozens of Lebanese citizens.
Hezbollah argued that the recent extension of the truce should have brought a genuine halt to the aggression, but instead, 'Israel' escalated its actions.
Scathing critique of Lebanese authorities
A significant portion of the statement was dedicated to attacking the Lebanese government over its participation in direct, US-mediated talks with 'Israeli' and American ambassadors at the White House.
Hezbollah described the Washington meeting as "disastrous" and a "dangerous predicament." The group accused the Lebanese authorities of failing to uphold their stated primary condition for attending the talks, demanding an end to 'Israeli' attacks and a withdrawal from occupied lands.
Instead, Hezbollah criticized the Lebanese representative for publicly praising the US President, who the group labeled a "partner in the shedding of Lebanese blood."
The statement accused the government of taking a "shameful picture" with representatives of an occupying entity and standing by as a "silent, helpless spectator" while Lebanese land and homes are destroyed.
Read more: Lebanese President denies direct contact with Netanyahu
Commitment to armed resistance
Concluding the statement, Hezbollah issued a clear warning that any continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire, destruction of homes, targeting of civilians, or ongoing occupation of Lebanese territory will be met with direct retaliation.
The group asserted that the right to defend its land and people is guaranteed by international charters. Dismissing the ongoing political negotiations, Hezbollah declared, "We will not wait for or bet on a failed diplomacy that has proven its ineptitude, nor on an authority that has failed to protect its homeland."
