Lebanon will not accept buffer zone in the south, says Nabih Berri

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has called for a comprehensive national approach to confront the Israeli war, warning of existential threats facing southern Lebanon and stressing his rejection of any targeting of the Lebanese army or questioning its role.

In a speech marking the 48th anniversary of the disappearance of Musa al-Sadr and his two companions, Berri said the occupying state is destroying Lebanon’s infrastructure and urged Lebanese unity in the face of these challenges.

He affirmed that Lebanon "will not accept southern Lebanon becoming a buffer zone," emphasizing support for the Lebanese army to assert its authority in the south. Berri also rejected any doubts about the army’s role, stating: "We will not accept any targeting of the Lebanese army."

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Berri reiterated that the Israeli war requires a comprehensive national approach, given what he described as existential dangers facing southern Lebanon.

He also voiced support for the efforts of Arab states and Pakistan to end regional tensions, while calling for the circumstances surrounding Musa al-Sadr’s disappearance to be revealed.