Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri Rejects Framework Deal with Israel, Defends Army

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri met Free Patriotic Movement MP Gebran Bassil at the Ain al‑Tineh residence to discuss the “Framework Agreement” signed by President Aoun’s team with Israel. Berri said the agreement would be treated “as if nothing happened” and warned that any attempt to weaken the Lebanese Army or dismiss its commander, General Rudolph Haykal, would provoke a firm response.

Berri also rejected any move to topple the government and stated the deal would not pass Lebanon’s constitutional institutions. During the meeting he showed Bassil photographs of the recent Israeli bombing of Majdal Zoun in south Lebanon. Bassil echoed Berri’s stance, condemning sectarian incitement and emphasizing national unity.

Both politicians warned that the agreement, which they liken to the 1975 May 17 accord, could spark internal discord, and they asserted that the parliamentary bloc would block its implementation.