Nabih Berri Conditions Ceasefire and Return of Displaced Before Any Positive Stance on Israel Talks

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri confirmed that any positive position on the Israel negotiation file or President Michel Aoun’s initiative is contingent on two fundamental conditions that he will not compromise on.

In an exclusive interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, Berri explained that the two conditions are: "First, a comprehensive and sustainable ceasefire, and second, a safe and dignified return of displaced persons." He added that he refuses to discuss the details of any negotiations "before their time," emphasizing the need to establish a genuine truce before taking any subsequent political steps.

The Speaker also stressed his rejection of participating in direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel alongside ongoing hostilities, calling for prioritizing the consolidation of the ceasefire and adherence to the “mechanism” and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 as the basis for ending the aggression.

While expressing a positive stance toward President Aoun’s efforts, according to MTV, Berri excluded the issue of the “Shiite duo’s” representation in any negotiating delegation, deferring a decision until the ceasefire condition is met first.

Meanwhile, regional signals point to parallel negotiation tracks. The Israeli Army Radio reported that Ron Dermer, envoy of the Israeli Prime Minister, made an unannounced visit to Saudi Arabia, meeting senior officials to discuss a potential settlement formula with Lebanon.

Reports indicate that one proposed plan includes transforming Hezbollah into a disarmed political movement as part of a comprehensive settlement between the parties.