Indirect truce talks only possible if Israel stops attacks: Hezbollah chief

Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem stated on Wednesday that the conclusion of hostilities between the Lebanese group and the Israeli military will depend solely on developments in combat, rather than political maneuvers. 

"I will be very clear; our belief is that only one factor can halt this war of aggression, and that is the battlefield," declared Qassem, who took over as Hezbollah's secretary general after the death of his predecessor Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrikes in September. 

He expressed doubt that "political efforts" would lead to an end to the ongoing conflict, which has persisted for over a year alongside Israel's warfare in Gaza. 

In a pre-recorded televised message, Qassem indicated that indirect negotiations could be possible through the Lebanese government only if Israel chose to cease its attacks against Lebanon. 

"When the enemy decides to halt its aggression, there is a defined route for negotiations - indirect talks via the Lebanese state and Speaker (of parliament Nabih) Berri," Qassem mentioned. 

He said that these discussions could only move forward if they assured "complete protection of Lebanese sovereignty, without any compromises," but did not elaborate on specifics. 

Israel asserts that its goal is to facilitate the return of residents displaced from northern Israel while ensuring that Hezbollah no longer poses a threat to its security. 

Last week, the Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported on a draft U.S. proposal for a 60-day ceasefire that incorporated a "side letter" between the U.S. and Israel, which would allow Israel to take action against any imminent threats to its security in Lebanon.