Hezbollah chief says Lebanon-Israel deal puts undue pressure on army

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem on Friday accused Lebanese authorities of subjecting the country’s armed forces to undue pressure by implementing a framework deal agreed with Israel to end hostilities.

The June trilateral framework, to which the US is also a party, involves the disarmament of the Lebanese militant group and a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon’s south, where it has occupied several areas.

It also includes the deployment of the Lebanese army to areas where Israel’s military has pulled out, starting in test areas known as “pilot zones”.

“How can you accept this ongoing humiliation of the Lebanese army, exposing it to bombardment and Israeli pressures, instead of acting as its protectors?” Qassem said in a speech.

In talks between Lebanon and Israel in Rome last week, both sides discussed which countries might participate in a committee tasked with verifying the Lebanese army’s deployment in the pilot zones and clearance of Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure, a Lebanese presidency source told AFP.

“Israel is attempting to bind Lebanon to an inquiry committee that oversees the army’s deployment, operations, and internal details. Where is the patriotism? Where is the dignity of the army that ought to be preserved?” said Qassem.

Hezbollah has repeatedly rejected the direct talks and refuses to surrender its weapons.

Washington on Tuesday announced it would sponsor a new round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Rome in early September.

But Qassem reiterated the group’s rejection of the framework deal and called on Lebanese officials to reverse it.