Berri: Anyone who attacks army is a ‘dog, son of a dog’

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has issued a strong warning against any confrontation with the Lebanese Army, as the government moves forward with plans to disarm Hezbollah and other armed groups.

According to LBCI television, visitors quoted Berri as saying: “Whoever throws (even a) rose at the Lebanese Army is a dog, a son of a dog, and this is the stance of the Amal and Hezbollah duo.” MTV also reported that Berri emphasized the army’s untouchable status, likening it to “the bride whom no one touches.”

Government Push for Disarmament Plan

The Lebanese Cabinet has tasked the army with drafting a plan for the disarmament of Hezbollah and other militias, with a deadline to present it by August 31. The ultimate goal is to finalize the disarmament process before the end of the year.

However, Hezbollah has already rejected the government’s directives, declaring that it will ignore them entirely. This stance highlights the deep divisions within Lebanon over the issue and sets the stage for potential political and security tensions in the months ahead.

Regional Reactions and Israeli Position

The developments in Beirut have drawn close international attention. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the Cabinet’s move as a “momentous decision.” He added that if Lebanon proceeds with disarming Hezbollah, Israel will respond with reciprocal steps, including a gradual reduction of its military presence in southern Lebanon.

This comes after the Israel-Hezbollah war, which ended last November through a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. Despite the truce, Israel has continued near-daily airstrikes, killing or wounding hundreds—mostly Hezbollah fighters. Hezbollah, for its part, insists it will not discuss disarmament until Israel withdraws from five contested hills inside Lebanon and halts its strikes.

Mounting U.S. Pressure and Hezbollah’s Weakened Position

Lebanon faces growing U.S. pressure to move forward with disarming Hezbollah, a group that recently endured a grueling 14-month conflict with Israel. The war left Hezbollah severely weakened, with many of its senior political and military figures killed.

While Washington views disarmament as a critical step for stability, Hezbollah continues to frame its weapons as necessary for defense until Israel fully ends its occupation and military actions inside Lebanon. The tug-of-war between government plans, domestic resistance, and external pressures underscores the fragile balance Lebanon faces as it navigates one of its most contentious security challenges in years