Raad warns state's conduct in negotiations will lead country to 'disasters'

MP Mohammad Raad has lamented that "the reality confirmed by the rounds of direct negotiations between Lebanon and the enemy (Israel) is that the ruling authorities have practically adopted the occupation's narrative against the resistance."

"Based on this, it has been arranging the internal political situation on the premise that the Lebanese accept coexistence with the occupation in exchange for the government's support in enforcing the state's monopoly on the use of force," Raad said in an op-ed he published in al-Akhbar newspaper.

"Submitting to the enemy and yielding to its conditions only emboldens it to expand, bully, and tyrannize, and to continue launching wars and invasions whenever possible and political circumstances allow," Raad warned.

He added that, however, when Israel "becomes certain that its occupation will be met with staunch resistance, even if protracted and costly, it will inevitably be wary of underestimating its aggression."

"Conversely, if it senses defeatism, weakness, or a willingness to compromise at the expense of the sovereignty and interests of the Lebanese people on the other side, it will intensify pressure in all directions to force surrender and submission to its conditions and objectives," the top Hezbollah lawmaker cautioned.

He noted that the country now stands at "a dangerous crossroads, fraught with the threat of major disasters."

"The responsibility for all the resulting consequences will fall squarely on the shoulders of this ruling authority, which is being applauded by all the enemies and adversaries of true, noble and honorable sovereignty and independence in Lebanon," Raad said.

He added: "The Lebanese people have the right to know where this ruling authority is leading them today. They also have the right to understand that all the sacrifices made in the resistance struggle pale in comparison to the disasters awaiting the country if this ruling authority continues down the path of submission and surrender to the enemy's demands and conditions."

He warned that "reliance on the occupation to disarm the resistance, while the enemy continues its aggression against Lebanon, is a heinous crime against the nation and its citizens."

Raad added: "We, along with our honorable, patient and sacrificing people, confront the brutal Israeli occupation in defense of our existence, our homeland and all Lebanese who cherish sovereignty and national dignity. We endure the bloodshed, displacement and wounds, persevering and remaining steadfast to preserve our existence, freedom and the sovereignty of our country."

"As for those who support our enemy, incite against our country and its interests, and provide services to the criminal Zionist aggression, we call for their accountability under the law. We affirm that the path of concessions is destined for disappointment and failure," Raad went on to say.