Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has strongly criticized a U.S.-brokered agreement with Israel, warning that it could foster internal divisions within Lebanon and stating it would not be implemented. Berri, a prominent ally of Hezbollah, described the deal as "dictates" in comments made to Lebanon's al-Akhbar newspaper.
Berri argued that genuine Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon would only be achievable through direct Iran-U.S. negotiations. He cautioned that any attempt to decouple the Lebanese situation from the broader U.S.-Iran diplomatic track would prolong the Israeli occupation, which began on March 2 following Hezbollah's actions in solidarity with Tehran against U.S.-Israeli attacks.
The war in Lebanon has become a significant element in diplomatic efforts to resolve the wider U.S.-Iran conflict. While Tehran has insisted on a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of any interim agreement with Washington, the U.S. has simultaneously sponsored separate discussions between the Lebanese and Israeli governments. These Lebanese-Israeli talks have proceeded despite objections from Hezbollah.
Israel has expressed approval of the agreement, signed by ambassadors from both nations in Washington on Friday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the deal permits Israeli forces to maintain their presence in southern Lebanon unless Hezbollah disarms. The agreement outlines a framework for the Lebanese military to assume control of territory, contingent on the verified disarmament of non-state actors, a clear reference to Hezbollah, enabling a gradual Israeli redeployment.
Berri, who also heads the Shi'ite Muslim Amal Movement, expressed concern that the agreement's most perilous aspect lies not only in its political content but also in its potential to incite internal strife among Lebanese factions. He asserted that the agreement "won't be implemented." This stance underscores deep-seated divisions within Lebanon, particularly concerning Hezbollah's role and the government's engagement with Israel, which has been pursuing a policy aimed at the group's disarmament following its weakening in a 2024 conflict.
