Berri Warns US Generals Israeli Violations Undermining Lebanon’s Recovery

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri convened with U.S. Major General Michael Leeney, the newly appointed head of the ceasefire monitoring committee, at Ain el-Tineh. The meeting also included the outgoing committee head, Major General Jasper Jeffers. Berri expressed deep concern over ongoing Israeli military actions, emphasizing that Lebanon has fulfilled its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, while Israel continues to occupy southern territories and violate the terms.

Berri highlighted that these persistent Israeli aggressions hinder Lebanon’s efforts toward stability, reform, and sovereignty. He called upon the United States to exert pressure on Israel to adhere strictly to the ceasefire terms and withdraw from occupied areas.

Monitoring Committee’s Role and Commitments

Major General Leeney assured that the committee would hold regular meetings to monitor the situation and ensure compliance with the ceasefire agreement. The committee, comprising representatives from the U.S., France, Lebanon, Israel, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), is tasked with overseeing the implementation of the ceasefire, facilitating troop redeployments, and addressing any violations.

The ceasefire, brokered in late 2024, aimed to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. It stipulated Israel’s withdrawal south of the Blue Line and the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the vacated areas within 60 days. Despite these provisions, Lebanon has reported numerous Israeli violations, prompting calls for international intervention to uphold the agreement’s integrity.