Hezbollah lawmaker says group rejects direct talks between Lebanon and Israel: Report

Hezbollah member of parliament Ali Fayyad on Thursday reiterated his group's rejection of any direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, AFP is reporting.

Fayyad's comment comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered his cabinet to begin talks with Beirut.

"We reiterate our rejection of any direct negotiations between Lebanon and the Israeli enemy, and the necessity of upholding national principles, foremost among them the Israeli withdrawal, the cessation of hostilities, and the return of residents to their villages and towns," Fayyad said in a statement shared by Hezbollah’s media channels.

Hezbollah also called "on the Lebanese government to adhere to the ceasefire as a precondition before proceeding with any further steps", Fayyad added.

A Lebanese government official told AFP on Thursday that Beirut wants a ceasefire before initiating talks with Israel.