Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri emphasized that Lebanon is facing “a crucial month with an unsettling situation.”
In an interview with Russia Today, Berri expressed his concern about the escalating situation in the south and the tension between Lebanon and Israel. “I am extremely worried about things getting out of hand. We are in a sensitive and delicate phase, facing a decisive month, and the situation is not reassuring,” he reiterated.
He also expressed concern that the American envoy, Amos Hochtein, had not contacted Lebanese officials after his visit to Tel Aviv, last week.
About his meeting with Mr Hochstein last Tuesday, he pointed out that the US envoy suggested Hezbollah withdraw 8km from the border to ease the situation in the border strip areas. “In return, I demanded that the Israeli Army also withdraw 8 km from its borders,” he added.
“We were expecting answers from him after his visit to Tel Aviv, which we did not get and which raises concerns about the US initiative (for de-escalation),” Berri revealed.
The Speaker said they remain committed to the full implementation to Resolution 1701, including the withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories “despite Israel’s violations.”
In response to a question about diplomatic efforts to reduce tension, Berri confirmed that they are ongoing, noting that he would not meet with German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock during her visit to Beirut next Wednesday due to scheduling conflicts.
In this context, it is worth pointing out that the situation in Lebanon was discussed by French President Emmanuel Macron and King Abdullah II of Jordan, during their summit, at the Élysée Palace, on Monday. Both emphasized the need to support efforts to preserve the country’s stability and security.
In Washington, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant met with Amos Hochstein, to stress Tel Aviv’s determination to “change the security situation in the northern border region with Lebanon.”
According to his press office, he discussed with Mr. Hochstein “measures allowing residents of the northern region to return home.”
The Speaker, who also heads the Amal movement, warned that they will be “on alert and on the front lines should the Israelis decide on a ground incursion.”
He stressed that “the resistance is committed to the rules of engagement, but Israel breaches them and follows a scorched-earth policy in the border strip areas.”
