In statements to “Al Joumhouria”, Berri pointed out that the tense atmosphere internally is due to the recent positions that have been announced. He emphasized Lebanon’s full commitment to the ceasefire agreement declared last November, as well as the mechanism adopted in the “Mechanism” committee, affirming that civilians with expertise can be utilized when necessary.
In response to interpretations linking his talk about “experts” to the possibility of involving civilians in negotiations with Israel, Berri denied this, saying: “What I meant is clear, experts mean experts, as is done in many files. As for the rumors about direct negotiations, they do not exist, and they did not and will not happen.”
Berri clarified that he has been in negotiations with the American envoy Amos Hochstein and others over seven and a half years regarding the maritime border demarcation file, which eventually led to the framework agreement reached with Israel. He reiterated that the mechanism adopted in the “mechanism” is in place, and we are committed to it.
An official in the U.S. State Department previously stated that disarming Hezbollah and ending Iran’s activities through its proxies is crucial for stability in Lebanon. American media quoted the official as saying that a stable Lebanon is an attractive investment opportunity, noting that “Lebanon made a brave decision to disarm Hezbollah, and we fully support this decision.”
The American envoy Tom Barrack confirmed that “it is inconceivable that there is no dialogue between Lebanon and Israel,” describing Lebanon as a “failed state,” affirming that all sectors and banks there have problems. He added, “There will be no issue between Lebanon and Israel if Hezbollah is disarmed,” continuing, “Lebanon does not have time, and it must quickly control the weapons.”
The American envoy to Lebanon also confirmed that “Israel is bombing southern Lebanon daily because Hezbollah’s weapons are still present,” noting that “Israel is ready to reach an agreement with Lebanon regarding the borders.”
Earlier, the Israeli army announced in the town of Kounin, southern Lebanon. The Israeli army, in a statement, said it “attacked the Kounin area in southern Lebanon earlier and eliminated the terrorist Ibrahim Mohammad Raslan, who held the position of maintenance officer in the terrorist Hezbollah and was attempting to rebuild the party’s terrorist infrastructure,” according to the statement.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, last Thursday, issued direct instructions to Army Commander General Rudolph Heikal to confront any Israeli incursion into the liberated southern territories, in defense of national sovereignty and the safety of citizens. The ceasefire agreement between “Hezbollah,” came into effect on November 27, 2024, and the Israeli army was supposed to complete its withdrawal from the areas it occupied in southern Lebanon by January 26 of last year. However, Israel did not adhere to the deadline and maintained its military presence in five strategic points in the south and continues to carry out airstrikes against various areas in Lebanon, justifying this by “ensuring the protection of northern settlements,” while Lebanon firmly rejects the Israeli attacks and demands their cessation.
