Hezbollah chief rejects Lebanon-Israel deal as 'null and void'

Qassem rejects US-brokered framework

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem on Saturday rejected the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel under US sponsorship, stating, "This agreement is null and void, and the provisions of the Iranian-American memorandum of understanding must be implemented," and demanding instead that Israel withdraw from Lebanese territory in line with the memorandum. In his first comments on the pact signed in Washington at the conclusion of the fifth round of negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv on Friday, Qassem outlined his opposition to the deal.

Qassem also warned against linking any Israeli withdrawal to the disarmament of the resistance across Lebanon, describing such a proposal as "a very dangerous proposal that crosses all red lines." He said such a move would turn Lebanon "into a plaything in the hands of the Israeli enemy," according to the statement.

Deal signed amid ongoing conflict

Beirut and Tel Aviv signed the US-brokered framework deal in Washington on Friday, concluding the fifth round of negotiations aimed at resolving outstanding disputes between the two sides. The agreement came after Israeli attacks killed over 4,000 people and wounded more than 4,000 others in Lebanon since March 2, according to Lebanese authorities.

His remarks came amid growing debate in Lebanon over the agreement. While some media outlets and lawmakers have described the deal as "historic" and a potential lifeline for the country, others have condemned it as a unilateral concession to Israel.