News - Middle East: Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri says normalization of diplomatic relations between the Arab country and the occupying Israeli regime is not even subject to negotiations.

“Those seeking normalization should bear in mind that the issue is not possible. I remain committed to my position on the negotiation mechanism; a mechanism that includes all parties: Lebanon, Israel, the United States, France and the United Nations,” Berri said in an interview with the London-based and Arabic newspaper Asharq al-Awsat.

He stated that civilian specialists could be consulted if necessary, as happened in the demarcation of the Blue Line – the demarcation line dividing Lebanon from the Israeli-occupied territories and the strategic Golan Heights – in May 2000.

Berri emphasized that “No Israeli threats or airstrikes will manage to change our position.”

The Hezbollah resistance movement on Thursday called for the unification of Lebanese ranks to counter Israeli violations in southern Lebanon, firmly opposing any political negotiations with Tel Aviv.

“The current stage requires national unity to confront aggression and reject any slide toward new political negotiations with the enemy,” Hezbollah said in an open letter to President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and the Lebanese people.

The group reiterated its dedication to fostering national unity, safeguarding sovereignty, and maintaining security and stability in Lebanon, as outlined in the ceasefire agreement reached with Israel in late 2024.

“Lebanon and Hezbollah have abided by the provisions of UN Resolution 1701 since its adoption, while the Zionist (Israeli) enemy has continued its land, sea, and air violations,” it said.

Hezbollah stated that Israel has not adhered to the cessation of hostilities agreement and has instead persisted with political pressure and attempts to enforce conditions that align with its own agenda.

It emphasized that a Lebanese government initiative to establish an arms monopoly should be integrated into a comprehensive national strategy aimed at defense and safeguarding sovereignty, rather than stemming from external pressures.

“The Israeli enemy does not target Hezbollah alone but Lebanon in all its components,” Hezbollah said, stressing that it has “a legitimate right to resist occupation and aggression alongside the army and the people.”

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