Berri stresses 'fundamental principles' of Lebanon-Israel talks amid continued violations

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stressed on Thursday "the fundamental principles" that must guide negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv, as the enemy states begin direct talks between civilian officials for the first time in decades.

Berri reiterated that the talks must focus solely on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, the deployment of the Lebanese army, and the state’s exclusive control over weapons.

Earlier this month, Lebanon and Israel sent diplomats to join talks of a ceasefire monitoring committee known as the 'mechanism'. Lebanese media reports have suggested in recent days that other Lebanese civilian representatives could be included.

The next meeting is scheduled for later this month. It comes amid growing Israeli threats of a renewed war.

Despite the US-brokered 27 November 2024 ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Israel continues to occupy five border hills in south Lebanon while launching frequent and deadly strikes on the country.

Lebanon has repeatedly pledged to disarm Hezbollah and says phase one of a government-approved plan, south of the Litani River, should conclude by year-end.

Tel Aviv has threatened a renewed full-scale war if Lebanon does not disarm Hezbollah quicker.

Berri revealed that the Lebanese army has implemented 90 percent of the ceasefire provisions south of the Litani and "will fully complete the remaining obligations by the end of the year."

He noted that the army’s progress was confirmed by military commander Rodolphe Haykal, the UN peacekeeping mission operating in south Lebanon (UNIFIL), and the mechanism, which is led by the US and includes an Israeli representative.

"Isn’t the mechanism itself a framework?" Berri asked. He has refused to expand the mechanism’s talks beyond the implementation of the ceasefire.

"This committee operates under US, French, and UN auspices, and I have repeatedly indicated that there is no objection to bringing in any civilian or technical expert if necessary – provided the ceasefire agreement is implemented," he added.

He emphasised that Lebanon had fulfilled all its obligations under the 2024 ceasefire, while Israel has violated the agreement with 11,000 breaches.

In remarks made earlier this week, Washington’s new ambassador to Lebanon, Michel Issa, said Israel’s war against Hezbollah was separate from its talks with Lebanon, indicating that Israeli strikes could continue.

US envoy Ortagus goes Biblical

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had suggested future economic cooperation with Lebanon but said the issue of disarming Hezbollah was a red line.

The announcement shocked many Lebanese, still reeling from last year’s war that killed thousands and left swathes of southern Lebanon and other area in ruins.

With talks between the longtime foes expected to continue, a scripture reference by US special envoy Morgan Ortagus has grabbed the attention of social media users.

Ortagus, who attended the mechanism meeting and has made multiple trips to Beirut this year, has '1 Kings 5:1–18' written in her bio on X.

It refers to the story of King Solomon forging alliances and organising resources to build the temple in Jerusalem. In the biblical account, Solomon secures cooperation from a neighbouring king, Hiram of Tyre to supply materials and skilled labour.

Hiram I was a significant Phoenician ruler known for his alliances with the Israelite kings David and Solomon. Tyre was a key Phoenician port city, located in southern Lebanon. It was subject to heavy Israeli strikes last year.

Some have interpreted Ortagus' Bible reference as message for potential future cooperation between Israel and Lebanon – despite ongoing attacks.

Forging any ties with Israel remains largely unaccepted in Lebanese society which has suffered from decades of Israeli invasion, wars, and hostility.