Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem sharply criticized the framework agreement that Lebanon signed with Israel under US mediation. In a video speech, Qassem argued that the deal is 'entirely in Israel's favor' and amounts to selling a part of Lebanon to Israel.
Qassem claimed the agreement is 'illegitimate, unconstitutional, and contrary to national consensus and the law.' He asserted that the word 'withdrawal' does not even appear in the text, and that the term 'redeployment' is used instead, which he said attempts to legitimize Israel's occupation.
Addressing Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Qassem said, 'I am showing you a solution: We accept negotiations with you, but only indirectly.' Stressing that a solution cannot be imposed and must be discussed together, Qassem said their priorities are to restore sovereignty and expel Israel from the territory.
Qassem reiterated that there is no solution other than the Lebanese army deploying south of the Litani River in exchange for Israel's withdrawal. He also stated that in achieving a ceasefire, 'the determination of the resistance people is the first foundation, and Iran's support is the second foundation and a real force.'
The Hezbollah leader added that the US guardianship over Lebanon must be lifted, claiming that Washington is 'wearing down Lebanon with demands that serve the Israeli enemy.'
These remarks come despite the framework agreement signed between the parties on June 26 and Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar's announcement that a new round of negotiations will be held in Rome next week. Meanwhile, Lebanon's Health Ministry announced that the death toll from Israeli attacks since March 2, 2026, has risen to 4,321, with the number of wounded reaching 12,203.
The agreement conditions Israel's withdrawal on the Lebanese army assuming full security responsibility in the area and the disarmament of armed groups, primarily Hezbollah. While Lebanese officials view the agreement as 'a first step toward restoring the state's sovereignty over all its territory,' Hezbollah considers it 'null and void' and 'humiliating.'
