Lebanese parliament speaker signals retaliation over Israeli military foothold

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri signalled Wednesday that retaliatory measures could materialise if Israeli forces persist in maintaining their presence in southern Lebanon, amid intensifying negotiations over a proposed withdrawal framework.

“If the Israeli occupation army remains entrenched, then the days ahead will dictate our course of action,” Berri asserted during a press conference in Beirut. The proclamation followed his summit with US General Gasper Jeffers, who spearheads the Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Monitoring Committee. US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson was present at the deliberations, the Lebanese National News Agency disclosed.

During the talks, American officials outlined a withdrawal blueprint slated for 18 February, envisioning Israeli forces retreating from the majority of occupied Lebanese territories. However, the scheme advocates maintaining Israeli presence at five strategic strongholds—a stipulation that Lebanese leadership unanimously denounced.

“Speaking for President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and myself, we adamantly oppose any piecemeal withdrawal,” Berri declared. He underscored his stance, affirming he “rebuffed any dialogue regarding withdrawal deadline extensions,” assigning the onus to the United States to secure a comprehensive Israeli departure.

Addressing the security paradigm, Berri articulated the role of Lebanese institutions in preserving stability. “The Lebanese army is executing its mandate south of the Litani River with utmost vigilance,” he affirmed. “Concerning territories north of the Litani, this matter necessitates extensive Lebanese dialogue to forge a comprehensive defensive doctrine.”

On Hezbollah’s stance, Berri indicated that whilst the organisation “maintains steadfast adherence” to existing protocols, any prolonged Israeli occupation would be construed as sanctioning “unconstrained operations and hostilities in Lebanon, an untenable proposition.”

This development unfolds against a backdrop of mounting tensions along the Lebanon-Israel frontier, where both parties have engaged in cross-border confrontations since October. The diplomatic initiative for Israeli withdrawal emerges as a pivotal test of regional stability and international mediation efficacy.