Lebanese MP: Direct negotiations with Israel ‘out of question’

A senior Lebanese lawmaker from the political wing of the Hezbollah resistance movement in the parliament has dismissed the notion of direct negotiations between the Beirut government and the Israeli regime.

Hassan Ezzedine, a member of the Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc, said the path of resilience must be maintained.

He made the remarks on Wednesday as he addressed a funeral ceremony in the southern Lebanese town of Jbaa.

Hezbollah, he said, serves as the most effective guarantor of Lebanon's dignity and security.

He underscored Hezbollah's impressive achievements, like the liberation of southern Lebanon in 2000 and its formidable deterrent power following the 33-day war of 2006 against the Israeli regime. Hezbollah, Ezzedine added, can quickly rebuild itself and will emerge much stronger than before.

Ezzedine underlined the importance of maintaining national unity in the face of foreign pressures, stating that any imposed demarcation or buffer zone is entirely unacceptable, and a historic victory could be achieved through resilience and steadfastness.

The Lebanese government has been working to launch direct negotiations with Israel. The United States will host ambassador-level talks with Israel and Lebanon on Thursday.

Earlier, Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem had urged the Lebanese government to cancel the planned meeting in Washington.

He said direct negotiations with the Tel Aviv regime remain unacceptable.

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