Senior Hezbollah official: 'We do not rule out direct negotiations with the US'
Mahmoud Qamati, a member of the terrorist organization's political council, claimed that the decision on this matter will be made 'in accordance with the circumstances and appropriate interests.' He further claimed that the organization is still strong and that sanctions and economic siege will not lead it to retreat from the resistance project.
Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qamati said today, Saturday, that the terrorist organization will not completely close the door to the possibility of direct contacts with the Americans. According to him, the decision on this matter will be made 'in accordance with the circumstances and appropriate interests.'
Last July, during a meeting with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, US President Donald Trump said he was willing to engage in dialogue with Hezbollah. Qamati, a member of Hezbollah's 'political council,' stated:
'The resistance has made a decision to exercise patience and give a chance to the political process, in the hope that full liberation and withdrawal of the occupation from Lebanese lands will be achieved.'
So far, the organization has expressed opposition to direct negotiations with Israel, but has supported the track of talks between the US and Iran, which also dealt with the Lebanese issue. Furthermore, Qamati claimed that Hezbollah is still strong and capable, and that not responding to every attack does not reflect weakness or helplessness.
'Any Israeli attempt to advance and occupy new points or lands will be met by the resistance in a way that fits the developments on the ground,' the official said. Regarding the issue of the Ali al-Tahir ridge in southern Lebanon, Qamati clarified that 'the resistance's decision at the moment is to hold on and repel all options concerning the site.' In recent days, it was reported that Beirut had offered to transfer control of the underground facility on the ridge to the Lebanese army.
Contrary to various reports, he denied the presence of Iranian terrorists from the Revolutionary Guards in southern Lebanon. The Hezbollah official further said that linking the liberation of Lebanese lands to the disarmament of the terrorist organization constitutes a dangerous process that harms the sovereignty and rights of Lebanon.
'Sanctions and economic siege will not push Hezbollah to retreat from the resistance project or abandon its people and its environment,' Qamati added.
