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

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem denounced Lebanon's acceptance of a framework deal with Israel, arguing it places excessive strain on the country's military. The June trilateral agreement, involving the US, calls for disarming Hezbollah and a phased Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Additionally, the Lebanese army would be deployed to areas vacated by Israeli forces, starting in designated "pilot zones."

In a recent Rome meeting, Israel and Lebanon debated potential participants for a committee responsible for overseeing the army's deployment in pilot zones and the elimination of Hezbollah's weapons and infrastructure. Qassem criticized the deal, stating it subjects the Lebanese army to bombardment and Israeli pressure, rather than protecting it. He questioned the patriotism and dignity of the army that should be safeguarded.

Qassem emphasized Hezbollah's consistent rejection of direct talks and their refusal to relinquish weapons. On Tuesday, the United States announced it would facilitate further negotiations between Israel and Lebanon in Rome at the beginning of September. Nevertheless, Qassem reiterated Hezbollah's opposition to the framework deal and urged Lebanese officials to revoke it.