Hezbollah MP says group rejects any direct talks between Lebanon, Israel
AFP , Thursday 9 Apr 2026
A Hezbollah lawmaker on Thursday reiterated his group's rejection of any direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had ordered his cabinet to begin talks with Beirut.
Hezbollah supporters wave a flag bearing a portrait of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as they stage an anti-government protest outside the Lebanese governmental palace in Beirut. AFP
"We reiterate our rejection of any direct negotiations between Lebanon and the Israeli enemy, and the necessity of upholding national principles, foremost among them the Israeli withdrawal, the cessation of hostilities, and the return of residents to their villages and towns," Ali Fayyad said in a statement shared by the Lebanese group's media channels.
Fayyad added that the group called "on the Lebanese government to adhere to the ceasefire as a precondition before proceeding with any further steps". A Lebanese government official told AFP on Thursday that Beirut wants a ceasefire before initiating talks with Israel.
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