BEIRUT, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Deputy head of Hezbollah's political council Mahmoud Qomati said on Saturday that his group was not concerned by Lebanon's planned direct talks with Israel, labeling them "weak" and "a failure."
Qomati said that if the Lebanese leadership insists on pursuing negotiations or closer engagement with Israel, "they are on one path and we are on another," contrasting what he described as a path of "concession" with Hezbollah's "resistance" approach.
Speaking after a tour of areas hit by Israeli strikes in Beirut's southern suburbs, Qomati reiterated that Hezbollah views the ceasefire as only a first step and not a return to previous arrangements.
He said the group remains on high alert and will not initiate violations but warned that any Israeli breach would be met with a response, adding that patience over continued attacks has run out.
He stressed that decisions regarding Hezbollah's weapons remain an internal Lebanese matter, rejecting any external conditions, and warned against placing Lebanon under foreign pressure.
Qomati concluded by urging caution among returning residents, saying the ceasefire remains fragile and could collapse if violations persist.
The ceasefire took effect at midnight between Thursday and Friday. ■
