Parliament Speaker Refuses to Disarm Hezbollah Despite Israeli Threats

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that Hezbollah will not disarm until Israel adheres to its ceasefire agreement commitments. In a Friday interview, Berri emphasized that Hezbollah’s weapons are leverage, and they will not be relinquished until Israel fulfills its obligations, including a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal from occupied territories. He stressed the need to pressure Israel to implement these terms, which remain outstanding.

He argued in a Friday interview that Hezbollah’s weapons are crucial negotiating tools and will not be surrendered until Israel fulfills its obligations, specifically a lasting ceasefire and withdrawal from occupied Lebanese land.

Berri underscored the importance of pressuring Israel to meet these requirements, which he says have yet to be satisfied.

He stressed that Israel’s continued non-compliance necessitates sustained pressure.

“Israel must cease fire completely and withdraw from occupied Lebanese territory, both of which have not happened, and Israel has instead doubled its attacks and airstrikes. Let it at least halt its fire,” Berri added.

The Lebanese official expressed support for dialogue between President Joseph Aoun and Hezbollah, but, he said, “it is also important to press the enemy to implement its ceasefire agreement obligations.”

“We have implemented what’s requested from us and no one doubts that. As for (Israel), it has not. This is certainly the responsibility of the Americans and this also means that we don’t hand over all our cards”.

Berri said Lebanon has done its part, including deploying the army in the south and ensuring Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the area.

“What’s requested from us are two points that have been accomplished by Lebanon, which are the army’s deployment in the South and Hezbollah’s withdrawal from it, and ever since (Hezbollah) has not fire a single gunshot.”