In a televised speech, Naim Qassem says he appreciates the Lebanese state's attempts to "end the aggression through diplomacy" and implement the ceasefire that began in November last year.
We support continued development in that direction, he said.
But he criticizes the participation of civilian delegates when a first round of talks between Israel and Lebanon was held earlier this week. According to Qassem, it is “another misstep” after Lebanon’s decision this summer to order the army to disarm Hezbollah.
This concession will not change the enemy's position, aggression or occupation, Qassem said.
The disarmament of Iran-backed Hezbollah is a key issue in the talks and a demand from Israel.
The fact that the talks have a civilian element opens up for broader discussions and future economic cooperation between the countries.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized on Friday in a meeting with a delegation from the UN Security Council that the country "does not want a new war."
“The Lebanese people have suffered enough,” he said, according to a statement.
A new round of talks between Lebanon and Israel is scheduled to begin on December 19.
