The French diplomatic movement initiated by "Jean-Yves Le Drian" and continued by "Bernard Émié," which will be concluded by the American presidential envoy "Amos Hochstein" in Beirut, aims to promote Israeli Defense Minister "Yoav Gallant's" desire for a political settlement that eases the situation for Israel at the expense of Lebanon's sovereignty and security. This settlement involves either relinquishing Lebanese sovereignty by accepting a buffer zone south of the Litani River under the pretext of implementing international resolution, or preparing for a devastating war that would turn Beirut and southern Lebanon into Gaza and Khan Younis, as threatened by Netanyahu yesterday.
President Nabih Berri, in an interview with "Al-Liwaa," categorically denied all previous allegations, asserting that none of the diplomats have approached him regarding the application of resolution 1701 based on the Israeli enemy's desires. He added, "I wish they would implement it; they should withdraw from the Shebaa Farms, the Kfarshouba hills, the village of al-Ghajar, and the 13 contested points and B1," all of which are stipulated in the resolution. When asked about Hochstein’s impending visit to Beirut, Berri responded, "I have no news."
Regarding Israel's demand for a buffer zone south of the Litani River, Berri stated, "Let them create a buffer zone on their land." While his eyes are on the south and its people, his heart remains with Gaza. He commented on the situation in Gaza where the tender flesh of its children is left vulnerable to tons of bombs and missile strikes. Berri said, "If it weren't for those airplanes, Israel would never have won a war; if it weren't for them, Hamas would have decimated Israeli soldiers and defeated them severely; but, God is great," he said with sorrow and pain.
When asked about the likelihood of war in Lebanon, he expressed surprise: "We are in the heart of war." Concerning an open war, the council president praised Hezbollah's operations, which he said have not deviated from the rules of engagement, despite the enemy's continued bombing and raids. He stated it is not due to weakness, but rather because the party is keen on the country and its people and does not wish to give Netanyahu the opportunity to drag everyone into a holocaust that will ultimately lead to his downfall.
On the issue of the Lebanese Resistance Brigades "Amal" and its youth, the movement's leader affirmed that they are ready to defend Lebanon and its people. With a confident and firm southern dialect, he stated, "I know my strength; if they enter our land, we will be the first to resist, and that is enough."
As for internal matters, the council president confirmed that the council does not have the right to appoint a new army commander as that is the government's prerogative. If the government fails to fulfill its role due to the divisions reflected among its ministers, a general session of the parliament will be held, and actions will be taken accordingly according to law and constitution. When asked if the Forces would participate, Berri responded: "They are free; I have several proposed laws and will organize them in chronological order from A to Z, as I do not operate at anyone's whim."
