Lebanese Speaker Berri Condemns Direct Talks with Israel in Washington

BEIRUT — Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Thursday denounced direct negotiations between a Lebanese government delegation and Israeli officials in Washington, warning that the talks undermined the existing ceasefire and targeted Hezbollah rather than pursuing genuine peace.

The comments came as a Lebanese delegation engaged in high-level discussions with Israeli counterparts in the United States, marking a significant shift in diplomatic engagement between the two nations. Berri, a prominent political figure and leader of the Amal Movement, stated that the talks bypassed essential regional stakeholders and threatened to destabilize the fragile security arrangement established following recent hostilities.

"These direct talks are not a path to peace," Berri said in a statement released from Beirut. "They are a direct attack on Hezbollah and a violation of the ceasefire agreements that have kept the border relatively quiet for months."

The Lebanese government delegation, which included senior ministers and security officials, arrived in Washington earlier in the week to discuss border security, prisoner exchanges, and potential long-term stability measures. Israeli officials have described the meetings as a necessary step toward de-escalation and regional normalization, emphasizing the need for direct communication channels to prevent future conflicts.

Hezbollah, the powerful Iran-backed militant group that holds significant sway in Lebanese politics, has not yet issued an official response to the talks. However, the group's leadership has historically opposed any direct engagement with Israel without explicit guarantees regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory and the release of detained fighters.

The timing of the negotiations has raised questions about the internal dynamics within Lebanon's government. While the executive branch has moved forward with the Washington talks, Berri's parliamentary opposition highlights deep divisions over how to handle relations with Israel. Some analysts suggest the government is attempting to balance domestic political pressures with international expectations for a diplomatic resolution.

U.S. officials have remained tight-lipped about the specifics of the discussions, though State Department spokespeople have acknowledged the importance of dialogue in preventing renewed violence along the Israel-Lebanon border. The United States has been actively mediating efforts to stabilize the region, hosting multiple rounds of talks between various stakeholders over the past year.

Berri's condemnation has intensified scrutiny on the Lebanese delegation's mandate and the potential consequences of the talks. Critics argue that bypassing Hezbollah in the negotiations could lead to renewed tensions, while proponents maintain that excluding the group is essential for achieving a sustainable peace agreement.

As the delegation remains in Washington, the outcome of the talks remains uncertain. Questions persist about whether the Lebanese government can secure a deal that satisfies both domestic political factions and international partners. The situation continues to evolve as regional actors await further developments from the negotiations.

The next steps in the diplomatic process are unclear, with no official announcement expected regarding the results of the Washington meetings. Regional observers are closely monitoring the situation for any signs of escalation or breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to secure lasting stability in the Levant.