Lebanese Speaker Berri Dismisses Rumors of Rift with Hezbollah as ‘Gossip’

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri criticized individuals who are inciting fear regarding the possibility of an Israeli attack on Lebanon.

In comments reported by local media on Wednesday, the Speaker expressed that the discourse in question, irrespective of Israel’s intentions, appears unusual and misaligned with the essence of national responsibility.

In the midst of ongoing developments, Berri commended Joseph Aoun’s strategy in handling negotiations with the United States, as well as managing the Hezbollah arms issue.

The Lebanese speaker noted that the approach Trump is employing in handling this issue is commendable and well-regarded.

In response to circulating rumors about an alleged dispute with Hezbollah, Berri dismissed the claims, stating that neither he nor Hezbollah are aware of any such issues. “Let them gossip,” he remarked, referencing the popular shorthand for Hezbollah.

Berri responded to comments made by US envoy Tom Barrack earlier this week, where Barrack stated that “words will not suffice as long as Hezbollah retains arms.”

The Lebanese official stated that the remarks were directed at the Lebanese government, while expressing their personal commitment to continuing efforts to find solutions.

The Israeli forces persist in conducting near-daily airstrikes on southern Lebanon and continue to occupy five strategic positions along the southern border, actions which contravene the ceasefire agreement established after a fierce 66-day conflict from September to November 2024.

The ongoing tensions have continued as Israeli forces conducted four strikes on Beirut despite a ceasefire agreement being in place.

In the meantime, the United States has been spearheading efforts to exert pressure on the Lebanese government regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah.