"Secret hints": American officials against the Lebanese Parliament Speaker

Dissatisfaction in the US with the contradictory positions of Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is growing, a source close to the State Department told the Lebanese newspaper "Nidaa al-Watan". American diplomatic sources said that Berri's recent speech indicates his refusal of any settlement that would expand the state's authority in the south of the country at the expense of Hezbollah's control.

In a speech delivered this week marking the 48th anniversary of the kidnapping of Imam Musa al-Sadr in Libya, he accused that "the Israeli demand is to bring about a civil war in Lebanon, while Lebanon's aspiration is to maintain public peace". In the same speech, he also noted that "the responsibility for maintaining and protecting southern Lebanon lies with the state and its military and constitutional institutions". On one hand, Berri came out against the framework agreement that includes the disarmament of Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, and on the other hand, spoke about the state being responsible for security.

The contradictions in the Shiite politician's positions received further expression. An American diplomat said that "Berri rejected every practical mechanism proposed by the US and Israel to ensure security and stability. He described it as foreign constraints and not as necessary steps for Lebanese sovereignty". A former senior American official attacked: "This dual approach is not just political posturing. It allows Berri to hedge his bets. He defends the 'resistance' and Lebanese unity in front of his base, while secretly signaling to American officials that he supports negotiations between Israel and Lebanon".

The source close to the State Department explained that "Berri's approach, which publicly casts doubt on the negotiation process alongside secret hints of his support, has become unacceptable". The American sources agreed that Berri's political ambiguity, intended to calm the base and maintain the involvement of international mediators, has made Lebanon a country unable to make decisive decisions.

Another senior figure in Lebanon who is hindering the progress of the demilitarization process is actually the Lebanese Army Commander. According to Lebanese reports, Commander Rudolph Hikal requested written or verbal guarantees from Israel that it would not demand a withdrawal of the army from the Ali Taher ridge in the event that he receives control over it. Against this background, Hikal refuses to accept control over the ridge. Furthermore, Lebanese sources revealed to the newspaper "Al-Akhbar", which is close to Hezbollah, that Hikal informed relevant parties that "he will not continue the expansion of the army's deployment within the pilot zones, as long as Israel does not offer something clear in return".

Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the country is "committed to the continued presence of UNIFIL due to the importance of its role". However, he noted that Lebanon would welcome any friendly country that would assist in the issue of southern Lebanon if the mandate cannot be extended. With this statement, the President expressed qualified agreement with the idea that Italy would lead the international force that would replace UNIFIL.

Aoun also continued to accuse Israel of violating the framework agreement and claimed that "the Lebanese army is fulfilling its duty in the pilot zones". Following this, sources close to Aoun told the newspaper "Al-Akhbar" that the Lebanese President is waiting for a new proposal from the Americans that will deviate from previous formulations. According to the sources, the Americans updated the President that they intend to conduct talks with Israel on a plan for a full withdrawal. It was further reported that Aoun is waiting for a detailed plan with stages and mechanisms.