Lebanon’s parliament speaker warns that Israeli forces occupying parts of the country’s south would face resistance if they fail to withdraw, signaling a risk of renewed confrontation ahead of US-mediated talks this week.
On Thursday, the US will host ambassador-level talks between Israel and Lebanon, which was dragged into war on March 2 when Hezbollah opened fire on Israel in support of Tehran in the regional conflict.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Lebanon’s most senior Shiite statesman and a Hezbollah ally, tells Lebanese newspaper al-Joumhouria that Lebanon could not tolerate losing a meter of land.
If Israel “maintains its occupation, whether of areas, positions, or by drawing yellow lines, it will smell the scent of resistance every day,” says Berri, leader of the Shiite Amal Movement.
“If they insist on remaining, they will face resistance, and our history bears witness to that,” Berri says.
Berri reiterates his view that there was no need for direct talks with Israel, noting that he has been a party to several rounds of indirect negotiations with Israel over the years.
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Tuesday, April 21, 2026
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