Berri Signals Openness to Settlement as Lebanon Navigates Post-Agreement Tensions

The recently signed framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel has rapidly transformed from a diplomatic development into a source of acute internal division, threatening to escalate political tensions toward street-level confrontation. As Lebanon teetered on the brink of institutional and political upheaval, Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri stepped into a stabilizing role, working to manage escalating rhetoric, avert sectarian strife, and prevent disagreement over the accord from fracturing the nation's fragile equilibrium.

Since the outset, Berri has championed the principle of "No to strife," positioning national civil harmony above all other considerations. He has underscored that political disputes, regardless of their magnitude, must remain confined within institutional channels rather than spilling into public spaces. From this vantage point, he has resisted pressure to destabilize or isolate the government, instead advocating for dialogue and negotiated political solutions capable of shielding Lebanon from an unpredictable downward spiral.

In remarks to Al-Diyar, Berri addressed multiple dimensions of the current crisis, ranging from settlement possibilities to weapons arrangements and his assessment of the framework agreement, while articulating the regional and global engagement necessary to support Lebanon's recovery.

On the prospect of resolving the tensions unleashed by the framework agreement, Berri emphasized that his approach centers on safeguarding domestic stability and forestalling sectarian division. He maintained that settlement remains achievable, declaring his own willingness to pursue resolution if counterparts demonstrate comparable commitment. "Should there be willingness for settlement, I am prepared to engage, because no one seeks to push the nation toward deadlock," he stated.

Regarding the structure of a potential accord, Berri reaffirmed his longstanding opposition to direct bilateral talks, noting his prescience about their trajectory and the resulting agreement, which he characterized as a "sedition agreement" harmful to Lebanese interests. He contrasted this with the November 27, 2024 accord he championed, which produced Hezbollah's total retreat from areas south of the Litani River without direct negotiations.

Before the framework agreement's finalization, Berri disclosed that he engaged with the President of the Republic, proposing that Israeli withdrawal follow district boundaries rather than experimental zones—a mechanism he viewed as more transparent and credible. Though Baabda accepted this proposal, the final framework agreement instead adopted the experimental zones approach, Berri noted.

On international calls for arrangements extending beyond South Litani, Berri clarified that arrangements involve coordinated Hezbollah withdrawal from South Litani alongside complete Israeli departure. Regarding weapons north of the Litani, he framed the position as containing all arms within state authority nationwide, establishing the Lebanese state as the sole legitimate authority.

Berri cautioned that Israel's demands aim to provoke Lebanese military engagement with resistance forces—what he identified as the genuine Israeli objective. He expressed confidence this scenario would not materialize, citing Lebanese awareness of sectarian risks and the army and resistance's mutual refusal to serve foreign agendas.

Describing his initial reaction to the framework agreement as viewing it as a "sedition agreement," Berri stressed his swift rejection of national fragmentation. "No to sedition, no to the street," he emphasized, reiterating that domestic stability preservation and preventing political disagreement from reaching public spaces constitute the essential foundation of civil peace.

When asked about communications with the President, Berri declined to elaborate, stating he had no immediate message to convey.

On pathways toward resolution, Berri reiterated his conviction that Lebanon requires international sponsorship to facilitate settlement. He identified the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Iran as essential participants, viewing them collectively as the fundamental guarantors of any sustainable arrangement.

Regarding ongoing Arab and international mediation efforts, particularly those led by Egypt and Qatar, Berri expressed appreciation for all initiatives advancing Lebanese reconciliation. He welcomed any Arab or international engagement designed to unite Lebanese constituencies and eliminate divisive tensions.

Berri concluded by affirming that his position remains unchanged since the crisis's inception: protecting national cohesion, averting sectarian division, and preserving institutional integrity constitute the paramount priority during this critical period. National stability, in his assessment, forms the essential bedrock upon which any durable political resolution must rest.