Parliament Speaker: Lebanon resolute in retaining every fragment of its territory
In a strong rebuke, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has condemned recent statements by the Israeli Prime Minister, asserting that Israeli forces will maintain their presence at five locations in southern Lebanon. Berri emphasized that Lebanon is unwavering in its commitment to reclaim every portion of its territory, declaring that no part of the land will be relinquished under any circumstances.
Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker, Nabih Berri, has strongly criticized recent statements by the Israeli Prime Minister regarding the continued presence of Israeli forces at five locations in southern Lebanon. Berri reiterated Lebanon’s firm stance, declaring that the nation would not relinquish any part of its territory under any circumstances.
On Friday, Speaker Nabih Berri declared that Lebanon is committed to utilizing all available measures to safeguard its sovereignty and achieve the liberation of territory under Israeli occupation.
He emphasized that safeguarding Lebanon and its southern region is a collective national duty, one that should serve as a unifying factor for all citizens.
A senior Lebanese lawmaker asserted that unity holds the power to address and surmount any obstacles.
The statement followed a declaration by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, affirming Israel’s resolute stance on maintaining control over five strategically significant hills in southern Lebanon.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated several times Tel Aviv’s commitment to maintaining a strategic foothold in southern Lebanon. This move, he asserts, is essential for ensuring the security of the northern border of the territories under Israeli control.
After nearly 14 months of conflict and failing to achieve its strategic goals, Israel has agreed to a ceasefire with Hezbollah. The decision follows significant losses incurred by Israeli forces. The cessation of hostilities officially began on November 27.
Since the implementation of the agreement, occupation forces have frequently breached the ceasefire by carrying out almost daily attacks on Lebanon, including aerial bombardments across the country.
On January 27, Lebanese authorities declared their consent to prolong the ceasefire with Israel, extending the truce until February 18.
Israel continues to hold five strategic positions in southern Lebanon, including Labbouneh, Mount Blat, Owayda Hill, Aaziyyeh, and Hammamis Hill, despite the February 18 deadline having passed.
Lebanon has formally opposed the ongoing presence of Israeli forces, citing it as a breach of the ceasefire agreement and the established withdrawal deadline. High-ranking officials in Beirut have declared their intention to “utilize all available measures” to compel the removal of what they refer to as occupation forces from Lebanese territory.
