Lebanon’s Amal Movement rejects Washington meeting, rules out direct talks with Israel

Lebanon’s Amal Movement has rejected the direct talks held in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli officials, reaffirming its refusal to engage in any direct negotiations with Israel.

Mustafa Fawani, head of the movement’s executive body, said that Amal remains committed to the ceasefire framework overseen by the “mechanism committee”, which he described as the body responsible for implementing the truce announced in November, 2024. He added that Israel “has not adhered” to the agreement.

Fawani said that the movement “does not seek validation from anyone” but instead “grants recognition in national belonging, resistance and steadfastness”. He added that its path “is lived, not merely told”, stressing that its history is built on sacrifices and martyrs in defence of Lebanon.

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Fawani concluded by saying that the Amal Movement “was born out of suffering” and that its record “is sufficient to respond to doubters”, signalling its continued commitment to resistance and rejection of any direct settlement with Israel.

The talks, held at the US State Department in Washington, marked the first direct meeting between Lebanese and Israeli delegations. They took place amid escalating military tensions, including Israeli air strikes on southern Lebanon and attacks by Hezbollah on northern Israel.

Lebanon was represented by its ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, while Israel was represented by Ambassador Yehiel Leiter. The meeting was mediated by the US, with the participation of US Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa and the symbolic attendance of US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, in what has been described as an unprecedented step in negotiations between the two sides.

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