Hezbollah Asserts Right to Defend Against Israel, Rejects Political Talks

Hezbollah stated on Thursday that it has a legitimate right to defend itself against Israel and dismissed any possibility of political negotiations between Lebanon and its southern neighbour.

The statement followed Israeli warnings that it might escalate operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accusing the group of rearming.

“We reaffirm our legitimate right… to defend ourselves against an enemy that imposes war on our country and does not cease its attacks,” Hezbollah declared.

The Iran-backed militant movement also rejected the idea of “any political negotiations” with Israel, arguing that such talks would “not serve the national interest.” The statement was presented as an open letter addressed to the Lebanese people and their leaders.

Later on Thursday, the Lebanese government is scheduled to hold talks to review the progress of its efforts to disarm Hezbollah – the only group that refused to surrender its weapons following the 1975–1990 civil war.

Hezbollah reiterated its commitment to a ceasefire reached with Israel last year, after months of hostilities that had escalated into full-scale conflict. Despite the November 2024 agreement, Israel continues to maintain troops in five southern Lebanese areas and has carried out regular strikes.

Under the agreement, the Lebanese government instructed its army to develop a plan to disarm Hezbollah. However, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz last week accused Lebanese President Joseph Aoun of “dragging his feet.”

“The Lebanese government’s commitment to disarm Hezbollah and remove it from southern Lebanon must be implemented. Maximum enforcement will continue and even intensify – we will not allow any threat to the residents of the north,” Katz said.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of attempting to rebuild its arsenal following severe losses in its last war with Israel.

In September 2024, Israel killed the group’s long-time chief, Hassan Nasrallah, along with several other senior leaders during the conflict.

Since the ceasefire, the United States has increased pressure on Lebanese authorities to disarm Hezbollah, a move opposed by the group and its allies. Israel has also stepped up strikes in Lebanon in recent weeks, citing attacks on Hezbollah positions.