Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said that “Israel’s objective is not Hezbollah or the Amal Movement, but to sow discord,” stressing that the war with Israel requires a national approach that transcends sectarian considerations. He added that “civil peace, national unity and the army are red lines that must not be crossed or undermined,” rejecting any questioning of the army’s role and calling for providing it with all the support it needs.

In his speech marking the anniversary of the disappearance of Imam Musa al-Sadr, Berri paid tribute to Lebanese people “across the country who opened their homes and facilities to provide shelter,” as well as to brotherly countries that have stood, and continue to stand, by Lebanon, its south and its people to help the country overcome this critical phase.

He stressed that “the south is an integral part of Lebanon, and responsibility for its reconstruction lies with the state,” adding that its geography “is not a testing ground.”

“We will not accept the establishment of a buffer zone or any security belt in the south, and we reject giving up or suspending Lebanon’s right to hold Israel accountable for the genocide it has committed,” Berri said, noting that “we maintain the same position regarding the framework agreement, have warned against negotiating with Israel under fire, and ask what the outcome of seven rounds of negotiations has been.”

Berri also reaffirmed his commitment to the Taif Agreement and the need to implement its provisions, saying that any calls for federalism or partition are incompatible with the agreement and constitute an ill-intentioned gamble that threatens Lebanon, its civil peace and national unity.

He also affirmed his support for the efforts of Arab countries, particularly Pakistan’s efforts, to promote security and stability in the Gulf states and the region.

You can watch Berri’s full speech in the attached video.