Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Wednesday warned that UNIFIL’s mission in southern Lebanon is under threat, despite international efforts, including US mediation, to ensure Israeli compliance with international law and the November 2024 ceasefire outlined in Security Council Resolution 1701.
Berri made the remarks during a meeting with US Senator Markwayne Mullin and a congressional delegation from both the Republican and Democratic parties, in the presence of US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson.
He noted that UNIFIL has consistently encountered opposition from Israel, which continues military operations, raids and violations not only in the area south of the Litani River – covered by Resolution 1701 – but across Lebanon.
The Speaker highlighted that the UNIFIL command structure, including its “Quintet Mechanism,” is led by an American general with a French deputy, questioning how the very force tasked with maintaining the ceasefire could be undermined.
In parallel, Al Hadath Television reported that Berri urged Hezbollah not to exploit street protests and called for greater cooperation with the Lebanese Army. He also asked Hezbollah to support the government in extending UNIFIL’s mandate.
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