Hezbollah chief criticises Lebanon's direct talks with Israel

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem has criticised Lebanese President Joseph Aoun over direct negotiations with Israel, describing him as "biased and divisive". According to Middle East Eye, Qassem made the comments in a televised address.

The talks between Lebanon and Israel are ongoing in Rome, facilitated by the US. They began on Tuesday and are set to continue until Thursday. The discussions focus on verifying areas entered by the Lebanese Armed Forces under the pilot phase of Hezbollah's disarmament, with Italy potentially taking on a role in this process, as reported by The Jerusalem Post.

Lebanon is seeking Israel's phased withdrawal from the country's south, Al-Monitor reports. The talks are taking place at the US embassy in Rome, with delegations from both countries in attendance. The US has expressed its commitment to supporting both governments in the process, aiming to deliver lasting security for both countries and restore Lebanese state authority throughout the south.

Brief written by urgent.news from Middle East Eye, Jerusalem Post, Al-Monitor — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.