Lebanon Speaker: Summit Success Hinges on Ceasefire and Israeli Withdrawal

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has asserted that the true measure of success for the recent Washington summit lies in concrete outcomes on the ground, rather than mere diplomatic appearances. He stressed that the primary focus must now shift towards consolidating the ceasefire and ensuring Israel's complete withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

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results on the ground, not just the appearance of the meeting

Berri pointed out that the withdrawal from Zawtar al-Gharbiya could hardly be considered a significant pullout, given the town's small size and the fact that it was not fully occupied. He further condemned Israel's continued actions, describing them as "criminal detonations of houses, civilian neighborhoods and infrastructure," alongside ongoing attacks against residents.

These steps, Berri argued, are crucial indicators that will determine the summit's actual achievement. He reiterated his previous calls for tangible progress, stating, "I have previously demanded that achievements should be made... and that has not happened yet."

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the focus must be on consolidating the ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal from the South, which has not happened yet.

Responding to a question about U.S. President Donald Trump's remark that Berri might join a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel once desired progress is made, the speaker expressed a sense of being understood. "It seems he understands me better than most Lebanese," Berri commented.

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Israel’s criminal detonations of houses, civilian neighborhoods and infrastructure continue

Separately, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun addressed reports that Berri rejected the agreement due to potential civil strife. Aoun clarified that the framework agreement does not require parliamentary ratification and that the president holds the constitutional authority to approve it. He defended Berri, highlighting his commitment to ending hostilities and acknowledging the sensitivity of his position as a Shiite leader with ties to Hezbollah, while emphasizing Berri's status as a "man of state" who understands the destruction in the South.

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I have previously demanded that achievements should be made... and that has not happened yet