Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri dismissed on Sunday Israeli attempts to push Lebanon into political negotiations, declaring, "Israel pushes for normalization, but we stand by the ceasefire."
In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Berri accused Israel of seeking to bypass the existing ceasefire agreement by drawing Lebanon into talks that could lead to normalization. However, he insisted that Lebanon remains fully committed to the deal which has international and regional backing, including support from the United Nations. "We are implementing the agreement as it stands, while Israel is obstructing its execution and trying to circumvent it," he stated.
The ceasefire agreement, which the United States has pledged to uphold, mandates an Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese areas, the deployment of the Lebanese army, and the release of Lebanese detainees. However, Berri accused Israel of refusing to withdraw from key positions, preventing the Lebanese army from fully extending its control south of the Litani River, despite support from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
Berri also defended Hezbollah’s actions, stating that the group has complied with the agreement by withdrawing from the area and refraining from military action for six months. In contrast, he accused Israel of escalating tensions with repeated violations, including airstrikes and attacks on southern Lebanese villages and areas along the Lebanese-Syrian border.
A recent proposal suggested forming a Lebanese negotiation team consisting of military and diplomatic officials to address border disputes and secure the release of detainees. However, Berri strongly rejected the idea, warning that it would undermine the ceasefire. "Accepting such a proposal would mean dismantling the agreement, which must be upheld under UNIFIL’s supervision and the oversight of the Quintet Committee," he asserted.
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