Berri expresses concern over potential conflict, describes Lebanon as ‘sensitive’

Nabih Berri, the Parliament Speaker and leader of the Hezbollah-allied Amal movement, expressed deep concerns about the escalating risk of war during an interview with Russian state-controlled RT television.

“This month is critical; we are at a sensitive and delicate stage,” Berri stated on Monday, highlighting the growing tension in the region. He described the current situation as “unsettling” and emphasized his fears of it spiraling out of control.

Last week, the Israeli military announced that it had “approved and validated” plans for a potential offensive in Lebanon, although any decision to proceed would need political authorization from Israel’s leadership.

Hezbollah, in response, released surveillance drone footage of sites in Israel, accompanied by a warning: “Whoever thinks of war against us will regret it.” The group’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, has also threatened a “fight without limits” if provoked by Israel.

Berri pledged that in the event of a ground invasion by Israel, his forces would join the frontline ahead of Hezbollah.

U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein recently called for an “urgent” de-escalation of the hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, emphasizing the need for a quick and diplomatic resolution to the conflict. Hochstein’s comments came after meetings with Berri in Beirut and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

“We were waiting for Hochstein’s feedback after his return from Israel, but we have not received any,” Berri said, expressing concern over the U.S. initiative for de-escalation in Lebanon.

In a meeting on Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to avoid further escalation in Lebanon and sought a diplomatic solution to allow both Israeli and Lebanese families to return to their homes.

Despite efforts by the United States and the international community to calm the situation and find a diplomatic solution, violence has continued to escalate since early June. Both sides have so far managed to contain the tit-for-tat attacks, but the sustainability of this fragile peace remains in question.