Hezbollah leader sets conditions over sovereignty

• Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem outlined five conditions for a permanent ceasefire.
• The group officially rejected direct negotiations with 'Israel', labeling them "free concessions".

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem addressed military commanders and fighters on Tuesday, affirming that the group will continue its operations against 'Israel'.

In a statement, Qassem emphasized that the group has not been defeated and will not surrender, despite months of high-intensity conflict.

Conditions for Lebanese sovereignty

Qassem outlined five specific points that must be met to ensure Lebanese sovereignty and end the current aggression:

• Total cessation of 'Israeli' aggression by land, sea, and air.
• Full withdrawal of 'Israeli' forces from all occupied Lebanese territories.
• Release of all Lebanese prisoners held by 'Israel'.
• Unconditional return of all displaced persons to their original towns and villages.
• Comprehensive reconstruction plan for areas devastated by the war.

He stated that once these five objectives are achieved, the group is prepared to discuss a "national defense strategy" with the Lebanese government.

Qassem specifically referenced the inaugural speech of President Joseph Aoun, who has called for a unified policy to remove the 'Israeli' occupation and defend the borders.

Rejection of direct negotiations

A central theme of the address was the rejection of direct diplomatic engagement with 'Israel'.

Qassem urged the Lebanese authorities to withdraw from direct talks currently being pursued in Washington, describing them as "gratuitous concessions" that benefit 'Israel' and the United States.

Instead, he advocated for indirect negotiations where "the cards of power" remain in Lebanese hands.

The Hezbollah leader also highlighted the strategic importance of the US–Iran agreement as a primary lever for stopping the war.

He thanked Iran for its support and noted that while internal Lebanese affairs -including the group’s weaponry- are not subject to negotiation with foreign powers.

Hezbollah remains ready to cooperate with the Lebanese state to secure the nation's independence.