Hezbollah chief rejects Lebanon-Israel deal, demands Israeli withdrawal

Hezbollah's leader, Naim Qassem, has shot down any proposal that ties an Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon to Hezbollah's disarmament, branding it a perilous non-starter. Qassem insists that any deal must prioritize an unconditional Israeli pullout. This stance is crucial as it underscores Hezbollah's refusal to compromise on its military capabilities, which has significant implications for regional stability and peace negotiations. His rejection highlights the deep-seated mistrust and ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah-backed factions in Lebanon.