Berri hits at ceasefire committee, 'incendiary' Lebanese politicians

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri denied Israeli claims that Hezbollah is rebuilding its military capabilities, hinting that Lebanese politicians are behind these claims.

"Those who are claiming this are the same ones making sure that no Iranian plane lands in Beirut and strictly surveilling the Lebanese-Syrian border," Berri told al-Joumhouria newspaper in remarks published Monday.

He criticized the lack of unity among the Lebanese, accusing some politicians of asking the U.S. to increase pressure on Lebanon. Berri said he did not meet with a U.S. treasury delegation because it used a threatening language and because of a dinner held in Beirut between the delegation and a Lebanese politician who incited the U.S. against Lebanon.

Last week, President Joseph Aoun said American officials told him that some Lebanese are visiting the U.S. and speaking ill of other Lebanese. Aoun accused these Lebanese of not conveying the truth of the situation and of "spreading venom."

"Because we are not united, Israel is violating the ceasefire and pressuring Lebanon into negotiations," Berri said, adding that the ceasefire monitoring committee is accusing the Lebanese army instead of condemning the Israeli violations. "They are now monitoring the army not Israel," he sarcastically said.

And as Israeli media repeatedly reported an escalation against Lebanon, Berri said "all possibilities are open" and that Israel "cannot be trusted."

Berri on Monday met with new U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa as a Saudi delegation visited Lebanon to discuss the lifting of a 2021 ban on Lebanese imports.

The move was welcomed by Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Aoun. Berri said dialogue with Saudi Arabia has never been severed, also welcoming the move.