In a televised speech, Qassem stated that Hezbollah will continue to confront Israeli attacks on Lebanon. "No one has the right to lead Lebanon toward that approach without internal consensus among its components, which has not happened," Qassem said. He added that Israel is trying to sow discord among the Lebanese people. "We face the aggression together, and then we can find understanding about the future and everything," he said. He rejected negotiations with Israel, saying such efforts are meaningless. "These negotiations are an act of capitulation and surrender and would strip Lebanon of its strength. We call, while there is still an opportunity, for a historic and heroic stance by canceling this negotiation meeting," Qassem emphasized.