Daijiworld Media Beirut

Beirut, May 12: Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has said that the Iran-backed militant group will not surrender and demanded an end to direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon, according to a written message addressed to Hezbollah members on Tuesday.

Qassem reaffirmed that the group remains committed to continuing its activities, stating that Lebanon would not return to the situation that existed before March 2. He further warned against any form of compromise, saying “no matter how great the sacrifices, they are less than the cost of surrender.”

In his message, Qassem also claimed that both Israel and the United States aim to reshape the region, alleging plans linked to what he described as “Greater Israel.”

He criticised the ongoing direct negotiations that contributed to the ceasefire starting April 16, saying such talks “only benefit Israel” and involve concessions from the Lebanese government. Instead, he called for indirect negotiations, arguing that this would give Lebanon greater control over the process.

Expressing gratitude towards Iran, Qassem said recent diplomatic developments involving the US and Iran had helped strengthen Hezbollah’s position in resisting Israeli military actions.

He also outlined what he described as Hezbollah’s key objectives, including stopping Israeli attacks, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, deployment of the Lebanese army in southern areas, release of prisoners, return of displaced civilians, and reconstruction efforts.

Lebanon has not yet issued an official response to Qassem’s latest remarks.