With just five days remaining before the scheduled Israeli pullout on February 18, Speaker Nabih Berri revealed that United States officials informed him that while Israeli forces would vacate the villages where they maintain a presence in the south, they would remain in five key positions – a development that has been the subject of ongoing speculation.
Speaking to journalists in Ain al-Tineh on Thursday, Berri warned that such an arrangement would severely undermine Lebanon’s government.
“I’ve made it clear to the Americans, both on my behalf and on behalf of the president and prime minister, that we categorically oppose this option,” he declared.
Berri rejected any discussions of extending the withdrawal period, emphasizing that it is the responsibility of the US to enforce the terms of the ceasefire agreement.
“If the ceasefire agreement is not upheld, it would deal a devastating blow to the government,” he warned.
He expressed serious concern over the possibility of Israeli forces remaining in certain areas, warning that this would effectively allow them to maintain unrestricted movement within Lebanon – an outcome he deemed “unacceptable.”
He further stressed that such a situation is the direct responsibility of the Lebanese state.
Berri underscored the readiness of the Lebanese Army to assume full control over the south of the Litani River but called for broader dialogue on Lebanon’s defense strategy to address the situation north of the Litani. “This should be tackled by the Lebanese people through a national dialogue conference,” he added.
He also said that Hezbollah is adhering to the ceasefire agreement, noting the group’s compliance with its terms.
On a more personal note, Berri reassured the public about the upcoming funeral of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, scheduled for February 23.
He assured that the event would proceed peacefully, with no gunfire, and that the Lebanese Army, along with the Internal Security Forces, would provide full security for the proceedings.
Earlier, Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer had announced that his country “will retain five important strategic points in Lebanon after the withdrawal deadline expires on Tuesday.”
In an interview with Bloomberg, he stated that “the Israeli army will remain at these five sites until Lebanon fulfills its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.”
According to him, these commitments “not only concern the withdrawal of Hezbollah from Israel’s northern border, but also the disarmament of Hezbollah, which must be prevented from rebuilding its strength.”
He did not provide details regarding the duration of this presence, simply saying, “Israeli forces will not withdraw in the near future.”
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