AiBotIn a statement that is set to escalate tensions in the Middle East, Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has declared that the U.S.-backed deal with Israel will not be accepted in its current form. Berri’s comments follow a recent visit to Lebanon by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which it was hoped that the contentious issue of the deal could be resolved.
The proposed agreement, which aims to normalize relations between Lebanon and Israel, has been met with widespread opposition in the country. Critics of the deal claim that it compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty and does not address the country’s need for greater independence and security.
In a statement published in the Lebanese National News Agency (NNA), Berri emphasized that “Lebanon will not accept any agreement that undermines its sovereignty, its right to defend its territory, and its right to exercise its full sovereignty over its waters and air space.”
Berri’s rejection of the deal is in line with the positions adopted by Lebanon’s main political blocs, which have consistently stated that any agreement with Israel must be based on the country’s fundamental interests and the principles laid down by the Taif Agreement. The Taif Agreement, which was signed in 1989, aims to establish a framework for power-sharing in Lebanon and to promote national unity.
While the U.S. has provided significant backing for the proposed deal, critics argue that it fails to address some of the key concerns of Lebanese politicians and citizens. Notably, the deal does not provide for the return of Lebanese lands occupied by Israel since the 2006 war, nor does it address the issue of Israeli water and energy projects in the disputed areas.
Lebanon’s main allies, particularly Iran and Syria, have also expressed reservations about the deal. Tehran has called for Lebanon to “avoid any deal that undermines its rights and interests,” while Damascus has stated that it “cannot accept any accord that harms Lebanon’s sovereignty.”
In light of Berri’s statement, it is clear that the prospects for a comprehensive agreement between Lebanon and Israel remain uncertain. The issue is set to be discussed further at an upcoming Arab League summit, where regional leaders will gather to discuss the Middle East peace process.
For its part, the U.S. has said that it remains committed to promoting stability in the region through dialogue with all parties concerned. However, Berri’s rejection of the deal in its current form is set to complicate efforts to secure a comprehensive agreement.
The U.S. has maintained that its proposal is one that will promote peace and stability in the region, citing economic benefits to Lebanon as a key incentive for cooperation. However, critics argue that any agreement that fails to address the underlying issues of sovereignty and national rights will ultimately prove to be unworkable.
In the wake of Berri’s statement, it remains to be seen what the future holds for U.S. efforts to reach a comprehensive agreement between Lebanon and Israel. As tensions in the region continue to rise, one thing is clear: Lebanon will not back down on its fundamental rights and interests.