Hezbollah chief slams U.S.-brokered framework with Israel as humiliating

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem sharply attacked the framework agreement signed in Washington between Israel and Lebanon, saying it undermines Lebanese sovereignty and is “humiliating” and “shameful.” He argued that the deal has “no right to exist” and asked, “Where is the government's responsibility toward Lebanese sovereignty and the commitment to the ceasefire?”

Qassem also said Lebanon should implement the clauses of the memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States. He declared that Hezbollah would keep applying “all necessary means and international and Arab pressure” until Israel is bound by the first clause of that memorandum and withdraws from Lebanon.

He urged Lebanon's leadership to reverse what he called “the big mistake” that is, in his view, destroying the country. At the same time, he said Hezbollah is ready to cooperate “for the sake of Lebanon's sovereignty, the liberation of its land and the expulsion of the Israeli occupier.”

Qassem added that possible steps include securing the return of prisoners, the return of residents to their homes, rebuilding damaged infrastructure, and reaching understandings on a national security strategy.