Hezbollah has rejected the Lebanese government’s direct talks with the US, saying the negotiations will undermine Lebanon’s sovereignty and serve Israeli interests, Al Jazeera reports.

In a statement, the group says the Lebanese delegation in Washington is being asked to sign off on US dictates that “confiscate Lebanon’s sovereignty” and align Beirut with those reconciling with Israel.

The group says the talks are based on a “flawed” premise and will lead to “capitulation” rather than serve Lebanese interests.

The government’s participation, the group says, “hinders confronting the enemy’s project, the resistance’s efforts on the ground, and the great sacrifices of our great people”, which it claims the state could leverage to press for a complete and unconditional Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory.

The group adds that the government’s attendance increases risks to Lebanon’s stability and independence and amounts to “compliance with US and Israeli policy objectives”.