Lebanon’s Aoun Calls Hezbollah ‘Traitors’ Over Opposition to Israel Talks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun pushed back against Hezbollah’s opposition to direct negotiations with Israel, accusing the group of treason for dragging Lebanon into war and insisting the talks are meant to end the state of war.

Aoun said in a statement on April 27 that his goal is “to end the state of war with Israel, similar to the 1949 armistice agreement,” according to AFP.

“Those who dragged Lebanon into war are now trying to hold us accountable because we decided to negotiate,” he said. “What we are doing is not treason. Treason is committed by those who turn their own country into a battleground to serve foreign interests.”

Earlier, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said in a statement that he firmly rejects direct negotiations with Israel. He urged Lebanon’s leaders to step back from what he called “a grave sin” that would throw the country into a cycle of instability.

Qassem also said Hezbollah would not retreat even if Israeli threats intensify. “We will not surrender and we will not be defeated,” he said. The dispute over whether to negotiate with Israel is now surfacing openly between the Lebanese government and Hezbollah.

Lebanon was drawn into the war on April 2 after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in support of Iran. Israel and Lebanon later agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, which took effect at 5 p.m. Eastern Time on April 16. US President Donald Trump said the ceasefire had been extended by three weeks.

Still, both sides accuse each other of violating the truce in southern Lebanon’s border area. With the risk of renewed clashes persisting despite the extension, Lebanon’s internal debate over direct talks is set to continue for now.

Oh Se-seong, Hankyung.com reporter sesung@hankyung.com