Lebanon speaks out: Hezbollah is the problem, not Israel

Lebanese Justice Minister Adel Nassar has launched a pointed attack on Hezbollah, accusing the Iran-backed group of undermining Lebanon's ability to conduct meaningful negotiations with Israel and dragging the country into wars its people never chose.

Speaking to Saudi channel Al-Arabiya, Nassar pushed back against critics who argue that direct negotiations with Israel amount to submission. "Diplomacy remains the most appropriate means at this stage to address the crisis and avoid further escalation," he said, insisting that engaging in talks does not mean capitulating to Israeli conditions.

The minister was unsparing in his criticism of Hezbollah. "The group is blocking the Lebanese state's ability to negotiate from a position of strength," he declared, calling on the party to "stop its adventures and support the choice of the state and its institutions."

Nassar also held Hezbollah directly responsible for the resumption of hostilities on March 2, tracing the renewed conflict to the group's decision to fire six rockets into Israeli territory, a move he described as serving Hezbollah's own interests rather than those of the Lebanese people.

"Hezbollah sacrificed the Lebanese in Syria and fights wars solely for its own interests," he said. "Its leaders are dragging Lebanon into conflicts that the people never chose."

The remarks reflect a growing chorus of Lebanese voices demanding that the state, not armed factions, determine the country's diplomatic and security future.