The Media Line: Hezbollah Denounces Israel-Lebanon Framework as ‘Humiliation,’ Rejects Disarmament Plan  

Hezbollah Denounces Israel-Lebanon Framework as ‘Humiliation,’ Rejects Disarmament Plan  

By The Media Line Staff  

Hezbollah leaders on Saturday sharply rejected the Israel-Lebanon framework agreement signed in Washington, denouncing it as a “humiliation” and dismissing it as “null and void.”  

The agreement, signed Friday after five rounds of negotiations, lays out a roadmap intended to end the conflict by gradually replacing Israel Defense Forces positions in southern Lebanon with the Lebanese army while advancing the disarmament of the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah.  

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared the agreement “null and void,” calling it a “humiliation” and insisting it should be replaced by the memorandum of understanding currently under negotiation, which incorporates a ceasefire in Lebanon within the broader Iran agreement. Israel has objected to that approach.  

Qassem said any effort to tie Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon to Hezbollah’s disarmament crossed “red lines.” He also argued that reaching such an agreement with Israel would “legitimize the Zionist occupation.”  

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, condemned the accord as an “incitement to civil war.”  

Hezbollah’s Lawyers’ Association also challenged the agreement, arguing it violates Lebanon’s constitution because it states that Israel and Lebanon “affirm the right of each state to exist in peace.” The group said the constitution “considers Zionism to be a challenge to human dignity” and declares “that it is necessary to work to eliminate it.”  

The US State Department said the framework establishes a phased process to dismantle Hezbollah’s terrorist infrastructure, disarm the group, and enable Israeli forces to withdraw from Lebanon after the Hezbollah threat has been eliminated.  

As part of the agreement, the United States will establish the Military Coordination Group for Lebanon, or MCG4L, a trilateral body tasked with overseeing implementation of the framework. The State Department also said Washington will strengthen the capabilities of the Lebanese Armed Forces, support Lebanese military operations against Hezbollah, and provide $100 million in humanitarian assistance to be coordinated with the United Nations.  

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the agreement Friday, calling it “a major achievement for the State of Israel.” He said Israel would “remain [in] the security zone in southern Lebanon” while coordinating a phased withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces as the Lebanese army takes control of the area, disarms Hezbollah, and establishes its authority.