Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Monday stated that the group will not hold direct talks with Israel, stressing continued resistance against Israeli “aggression”. Speaking in remarks reported by Al Jazeera, he said such negotiations are “out of question,” reported ANI.
He also reaffirmed Hezbollah’s military position, stating, “We will not give up weapons, and the defence and the field have proven our readiness for confrontation.”
Qassem criticised the Lebanese government’s approach, saying it had made unnecessary concessions. He added that authorities should stop any attempt at direct talks and instead focus only on indirect negotiations with Israel.
Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said its troops identified three armed individuals in southern Lebanon on Sunday who were approaching areas where Israeli forces were operating. The army described them as posing an “imminent threat.”
The IDF said an airstrike killed the individuals to eliminate the danger. It also confirmed additional strikes on what it called Hezbollah infrastructure, including a sector headquarters in Bint Jbeil and other buildings.
According to the military, secondary explosions were observed after the strikes, which suggested that weapons were stored in those locations. “In addition, several Hezbollah military structures were struck, including the headquarters of the Bint Jbeil sector and additional structures. Following the strikes, secondary explosions were identified, indicating the presence of weapons stored in the area,” reported the news agency.
The IDF stated, “The IDF will continue to operate decisively against threats directed at Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers, in accordance with directives from the political echelon.”
Netanyahu warns ceasefire is breaking down
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hezbollah’s actions are weakening the ceasefire arrangement along the Lebanon border.
He said that although some may think otherwise, Israeli forces remain active in Lebanon.
“Regarding Lebanon: one might get the impression that the IDF is not active there. It is active, and it is acting with force. It must be understood that Hezbollah`s violations are essentially disintegrating the ceasefire,” the Israeli PM said, reported the news agency.
He stressed that Israel’s main responsibility is protecting its citizens, especially in northern border areas close to Lebanon. Netanyahu also said Israeli operations are being conducted under coordination frameworks involving the United States and discussions with Lebanese authorities.
Ceasefire extension and US role
Earlier, US President Donald Trump announced an extension of the Israel–Lebanon ceasefire for three more weeks. He also said the United States would work with Lebanon to strengthen its ability to deal with Hezbollah and improve regional stability.
(With ANI Inputs)