Lebanese speaker Nabih Berri insists on complete Israeli withdrawal and pushes for cease‑fire talks

Lebanese Parliament speaker Nabih Berri said Lebanon will accept only an unconditional cease‑fire on land, air and sea, linking it to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the simultaneous pull‑out of Hezbollah units south of the Litani River. He rejected any “test areas”, demanded the entry of the Lebanese army and expressed openness to mediation by any country.

Hezbollah deputy chairman Mahmoud Qamati denied US President Donald Trump’s claim of direct contact with the group, stating that communications are routed through official Lebanese channels and warning that the United States is attempting to bypass Lebanese authorities.

Berri also called on Israel to pursue dialogue instead of further military escalation, proposing a non‑aggression pact. He highlighted 3,491 Israeli airspace violations recorded since April 17, framing the pact as essential to curb the growing tension while balancing internal pressures from Hezbollah and regional actors.