Berri Rejects Direct Israeli Talks, Criticizes Qassem on Government Threats

Parliamentary Speaker Nabih Berri has launched a forceful critique of Lebanon's approach to Israeli negotiations, just hours ahead of the inaugural session of the Lebanese-Israeli security track. His position underscores deepening tensions over how the country should pursue talks with its neighbor.

Speaking on the eve of the first security track meeting—scheduled to involve three Lebanese military officers, three Israeli representatives, and three Americans—Berri made clear his fundamental opposition to direct engagement. "I do not know what will happen there, and I do not want to know," he stated, signaling his detachment from the negotiating process.

The parliamentary leader emphasized that his immediate focus remains narrowly defined: securing a ceasefire and addressing the displacement crisis as Israeli military operations continue in the south. He argued that Lebanon currently possesses no meaningful negotiating advantages, a critical gap he sees as undermining any direct talks.

"Whoever sits at a negotiating table must have cards to present in order to be able to extract a gain, and to sit with an enemy with a minimum of parity and balance. With what do we go there? Nothing, not a single card," Berri said, articulating his core objection to the direct negotiation track.

Berri pointed to the history of failed ceasefire agreements, noting that Lebanon has reached four separate ceasefire accords that were subsequently violated. The current 45-day truce, he contended, lacks genuine enforcement mechanisms, with fighting and destruction continuing across southern communities.

By contrast, Berri highlighted the effectiveness of indirect mediation in previous diplomatic efforts. He cited the 2022 maritime boundary agreement and the 2024 ceasefire as examples where third-party intermediaries successfully facilitated understandings between the parties. He credited mediators with possessing the incentive to extract concessions from both sides—a dynamic he sees as absent in direct negotiations.

On the domestic front, Berri registered sharp disagreement with Hezbollah Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem's recent remarks threatening street action against President Nawaf Salam's government. "I am not with him and I do not agree with him, and it is unnecessary for these words to be said," Berri said, indicating he had already addressed the matter with Hezbollah leadership.

The Amal Movement and Hezbollah subsequently held two meetings to recalibrate the position, according to Berri. He stressed his priority of preventing internal political deterioration or destabilization at this critical moment. "What concerns me at the present time and what I intervene in is preventing any recklessness or internal problem," he explained.

On the regional dimension, Berri underscored Iran's role in promoting a southern ceasefire, revealing that Tehran has assured Lebanon it will not conclude any agreement with the United States that excludes Lebanon as a central provision—even if doing so requires abandoning such an agreement entirely.