Hezbollah rejects “Empty diplomacy” as ceasefire dispute escalates in Lebanon

Hezbollah Secretary General Naim Qassem stated in a message on Saturday evening that Hezbollah will not accept “the fifteen-month path of patience in the face of Israeli aggression while awaiting diplomacy that has achieved nothing.” He thanked Iran for its support and linked the ceasefire to Pakistan’s agreement to publicly uphold it in Lebanon in the official announcement, followed by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to what he described as an American breach of the ceasefire in Lebanon. He also expressed gratitude to Pakistan for its care and to all those who contributed, even through statements supporting the ceasefire in Lebanon.

The message stated: “We have reviewed a publication issued by the US State Department titled ‘The Ceasefire Agreement Between Lebanon and Israel – April 2026,’ which was released after the ceasefire took effect. It carries no practical value and is an insult to our country, Lebanon, as the United States dictates its text and speaks on behalf of the Lebanese government. The statement begins by saying, ‘The Government of Israel and the Government of Lebanon have agreed to the following statement,’ even though everyone knows the Lebanese government did not convene and did not approve it. Enough of burdening Lebanon with such insults through direct negotiations with the Israeli enemy to accept its dictates, and through the disgraceful scene in Washington where tyranny surrounds the prey, issuing positions on behalf of Lebanon—this is a misstep with no end.”

He continued in his message: “The ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities. Because we do not trust this enemy, the resistance fighters will remain in the field with their fingers on the trigger and will respond to any violations of aggression accordingly. There is no ceasefire from the resistance alone; it must be upheld by both sides. We will not accept the fifteen-month path of patience in the face of Israeli aggression while awaiting diplomacy that has achieved nothing.”

Explosion in Markaba in southern Lebanon

He added that the next step is to implement five points: a permanent halt to aggression throughout Lebanon by air, land, and sea; the withdrawal of the Israeli army from occupied territories to the borders; the release of prisoners; the return of residents to their villages and towns up to the borders; and reconstruction with Arab and international support alongside national responsibility.

Hezbollah affirmed its openness to “cooperate with the authority in Lebanon in a new chapter based on achieving the sovereignty of our nation, Lebanon, within a framework of unity, preventing discord, and harnessing available capabilities within a national security strategy."

Hezbollah rejects “Empty diplomacy” as ceasefire dispute escalates in Lebanon

Hezbollah rejects “Empty diplomacy” as ceasefire dispute escalates in Lebanon

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