Berri Rejects Any Israeli Buffer Zone in South Lebanon

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has rejected any attempt to establish a buffer zone or security belt in south Lebanon, insisting that responsibility for the area belongs to the Lebanese state.

“The South is an integral part of Lebanon, and responsibility for protecting and defending it alongside its people, and for rebuilding what Israeli aggression has destroyed, rests with the state,” Berri said. “We will not accept buffer zones or security belts in the South.”

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The South is an integral part of Lebanon, and responsibility for protecting and defending it alongside its people, and for rebuilding what Israeli aggression has destroyed, rests with the state

Speaking on the 48th anniversary of the disappearance of Imam Moussa al-Sadr, Berri emphasized the authority of the Lebanese Army in the south alongside UN peacekeeping forces. He described civil peace, national unity and the army as red lines, and called for the military to receive all necessary support.

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We will not accept buffer zones or security belts in the South

Berri also renewed his opposition to direct negotiations with Israel while hostilities continue. He said previous rounds had yielded no results and maintained his rejection of the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel. He argued that the current risks facing the south and Lebanon did not allow anyone to act on sovereign issues through a framework agreement or secret provisions.

He further opposed giving up Lebanon’s right to prosecute Israel over what he called genocide crimes committed against south Lebanon. Berri said the conflict required a national approach free from regional, partisan, sectarian and confessional considerations. He warned that attempts to push Lebanon into internal divisions served Israel’s aims.

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We warned against direct negotiations with Israel under fire, while the rounds of negotiations have yielded no results

On domestic politics, Berri reaffirmed his support for the Taif Agreement and said projects based on partition or federalism were incompatible with it. His remarks came as political debate continued over sovereignty, security and the future of south Lebanon, while Israeli attacks and a stalled negotiating track persisted.

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Do not lose Lebanon to internal wars, divisions, or fatal political or security missteps