Key facts
- Lebanon will not give up its right to sue Israel over alleged "genocide crimes."
- Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warned that Israel's goal is to create sectarian strife and undermine Lebanon's unity.
- Berri rejected a U.S.-brokered framework agreement and any Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon.
- He cited extensive destruction and alleged use of prohibited weapons as reasons for legal action.
- Berri stated that Israel's target is Lebanon itself, its unity, and civil peace.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri asserted on Monday that the country will not relinquish its right to pursue legal action against Israel for alleged "genocide crimes." Berri, who heads the Shiite Amal Movement, warned that Israel's objective is not merely to disarm Hezbollah but to incite sectarian strife and undermine Lebanon's unity and civil peace.
Berri reiterated his rejection of a U.S.-brokered framework agreement aimed at ending the Israel-Hezbollah war, as well as direct talks with Israel initiated by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. He also opposed any Israeli security zone in southern Lebanon or any secret annexes to agreements. He cited the destruction of villages, historic sites, and the alleged use of internationally prohibited weapons as grounds for legal action against Israel.
According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, Israel's military campaign since October 8, 2023, has resulted in 8,915 deaths and 30,543 wounded, with 4,352 killed and 12,318 wounded since last March. Berri emphasized that relinquishing Lebanon's right to legal action would amount to relinquishing sovereignty.