Hezbollah chief rejects Israel talks, warns disarmament ‘unacceptable’

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has called on the Lebanese government to abandon plans for direct talks with Israel, as pressure grows ahead of a new round of negotiations.

In statements shared by Hezbollah’s media channels, Qassem said disarming the group is “unacceptable” and warned it would amount to “annihilation”.

He also rejected any move towards direct negotiations with Israel, calling them “unacceptable” and describing such talks as a “victory” for Israel.

The remarks come as Lebanon prepares for another round of discussions with Israel in Washington early next month.