Hezbollah calls for Lebanese unity, rejects political talks with Israel

Hezbollah has called for unified Lebanese opposition to Israeli military actions while firmly rejecting any political negotiations with Israel. In an open letter addressed to Lebanon's top leadership and citizens, the group declared that the current situation demands national unity against aggression and specifically ruled out pursuing new political talks with what it termed "the enemy."

Ceasefire Violations and Stance on Disarmament

The organization asserted that Lebanon and Hezbollah have complied with UN Resolution 1701 since its adoption, while accusing Israel of continuing "land, sea, and air violations" despite the late 2024 ceasefire agreement. Hezbollah stressed that any government plan for state monopoly on weapons must form part of "a comprehensive national strategy for defense and sovereignty protection" rather than emerging from "external pressures."

Context of US-Backed Disarmament Plan

The statement comes amid ongoing discussions about a Lebanese government plan, originally based on a US-drafted proposal, to place all weapons under state control by the end of 2025. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has consistently rejected such disarmament initiatives, maintaining that Israeli forces must completely withdraw from Lebanese territory before the group considers laying down its weapons.

Broader Regional Conflict

Hezbollah emphasized that Israeli military operations target "Lebanon in all its components" rather than exclusively focusing on Hezbollah. The group reaffirmed what it characterized as its "legitimate right to resist occupation and aggression alongside the army and the people." The conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with over 4,000 fatalities and approximately 17,000 injuries in Lebanon since hostilities intensified in 2023.