Beirut: Lebanon will not give up its right to pursue legal action against Israel over its 'genocide crimes' in the country, the nation's parliament speaker said Monday. Nabih Berri made the remarks in a speech marking the 48th anniversary of the disappearance of Lebanese Shiite cleric and Amal Movement founder Musa al-Sadr, whose fate remains unknown since he disappeared in Libya in 1978.
According to Anadolu Agency, Lebanon's Shiite community holds late Libyan President Moammar Gadhafi responsible for the disappearance of al-Sadr along with his two companions, Sheikh Mohammed Yacoub and journalist Abbas Badr al-Din, during a visit to Libya. The former Libyan regime denied the allegation and said the three had left for Italy.
Berri emphasized that Lebanon's confrontation with Israel requires 'a unified national approach free of sectarian calculations.' He cautioned that the core target of Israel is Lebanon itself, its unity, and civil peace, rather than specific groups like Hezbollah or the Shiite community.
Berri voiced his opposition to the June framework agreement and warned against engaging in direct negotiations with Israel while under duress. He questioned the efficacy of the seven rounds of negotiations, which he claims have resulted in expanded occupied areas, increased destruction, and more martyrs.
His remarks come as an eighth round of direct Lebanon-Israel talks is anticipated to occur in Italy in September. The seventh round concluded on August 6 without reaching an agreement on Israeli withdrawal from expanded areas of occupation.
Lebanon and Israel signed a US-mediated framework agreement on June 26, which outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the deployment of the Lebanese army. Talks have since focused on implementing the agreement.
Lebanese authorities report that more than 4,000 people have been killed, over 12,000 wounded, and more than 1 million displaced due to Israeli aggression since March 2. Israel continues to occupy parts of southern Lebanon, some for decades, others since the 2023-24 war, with its latest military offensive extending its reach further into Lebanese territory.