Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam says his government is not seeking confrontation with Hezbollah, but it will not allow itself to be intimidated as it continues direct talks with Israel to end the conflict, Reuters reports.

Speaking at a news conference alongside France’s President Emmanuel Macron, Salam says he will need all of Lebanon’s partners to help as direct talks at the ambassador level continue later this week in Washington.

“We are continuing along this path, convinced that diplomacy is not a sign of weakness, but a responsible act to leave no avenue unexplored in restoring my country’s sovereignty and protecting its people,” Salam states.