Hezbollah, allies will reject direct talks with 'Israel': MP Fayyad

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
18 Oct 2025 22:03

In an interview with Al Mayadeen, Fayyad noted that Lebanon refuses having any channels of direct negotiation with "Israel" and relies solely on indirect military negotiations that go through the Lebanese state.

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Member of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc Ali Fayyad speaks to Al Mayadeen, October 18, 2025 (Screengrab)

Lebanese MP and member of the Loyalty to the Resistance bloc Ali Fayyad asserted that Lebanon is not open to normalizing ties with the Israeli entity, stressing that Hezbollah and its allies will vehemently reject any direct negotiations with the occupation.

In an interview with Al Mayadeen, Fayyad noted that Lebanon refuses having any channels of direct negotiation with "Israel" and relies solely on indirect military negotiations that go through the Lebanese state, as was the case with the maritime border.

The Lebanese official also warned that the Israeli occupation could resort to escalation at any moment, emphasizing that Lebanon has the full legitimate right to defend itself.

Turning to the reconstruction of areas damaged during the Israeli war on Lebanon, Fayyad stated that the total budget for full restoration amounts to $6 billion, considering previous estimations at $14 billion to be an exaggeration.

Moreover, Fayyad touched on Hezbollah's position in Lebanese society, saying, “Frankly and transparently, some people forget that Hezbollah is the most popular party in Lebanon and treat it in the wrong way,” noting that the party is not a traditional party, as was evident during the funeral of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and the Scouts ceremony.

Lebanon’s Aoun calls for talks with 'Israel'

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated Monday that “there is no alternative to negotiations” with the Israeli regime to resolve outstanding disputes, as US President Donald Trump’s plan for a ceasefire in Gaza began implementation.

Speaking before a delegation from the Economic Media Association, Aoun recalled that Lebanon had previously held indirect talks with “Israel” under US and UN sponsorship, which led to the maritime border demarcation agreement.

“What prevents us from repeating the same process to solve other issues?” he asked, “especially since the war has achieved no results? Israel ended up negotiating with Hamas after exhausting its military options.”

Aoun emphasized that “the prevailing atmosphere today is one of settlements, and negotiations are inevitable,” noting that the framework and nature of such talks “will be determined at the appropriate time.”