Nabih Berri Rejects US-Mediated Framework Agreement With Israel

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reiterated his strong opposition to a US-mediated framework agreement between the Lebanese government and Israel during a ceremony marking the 48th anniversary of the disappearance of Imam Musa al-Sadr. Berri warned against engaging in direct negotiations with Israel while the country remains under relentless military assaults in the south, arguing that current existential risks preclude any action on sovereign titles.

The framework agreement, signed June 26, stipulates a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces and the deployment of the Lebanese army. However, Berri claimed that Israeli-occupied Lebanese territory has expanded despite seven rounds of negotiations. He further rejected calls for federalism or partitioning, citing the Taif Agreement, and defended the Lebanese army as a national institution.

These political tensions occur against a backdrop of escalating violence. Israel has continued its offensive since March 2, resulting in over 4,000 deaths and the displacement of 1 million persons. Berri maintained that negotiating with the Israeli enemy under fire is unacceptable given the ongoing military pressure.