Hezbollah bloc chief rejects Lebanon direct talks with Israel

The head of the Hezbollah bloc in the Lebanese parliament, Mohammad Raad said that direct negotiations with Israel are “rejected and condemned,” describing them as a “fall for the Lebanese authority.” In a statement, Raad criticised the meeting held in Washington between representatives of Lebanon, Israel, and the United States, saying it reflects what he described as a low priority given to Lebanese affairs in US policy. He said that the outcome of what he called a “shameful session” undermines the Lebanese authorities’ stated position that a ceasefire should precede any negotiations, and questioned their commitment to sovereignty. Raad added that such talks, in his view, indicate submission to external demands, and argued that they aim not to end the […]