Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has sent a clear message: normalization with Israel is impossible. Addressing the Lebanese Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Berri stressed the necessity of involving all key stakeholders, including Lebanon, Israel, the U.S., France, and the UN, in any indirect dialogue. He pointed out that the involvement of technical experts, akin to those assisting in the 2000 Blue Line demarcation, could be incorporated. Berri firmly stated that Israeli threats and military actions would not force a change in Lebanon’s firm position.
Despite a ceasefire established on November 27, 2024, between Hezbollah and Israel, sporadic Israeli airstrikes continue within Lebanon, with the Israeli military citing actions against Hezbollah ‘threats’ and maintaining border troop presence. Saturday’s strikes in eastern and southern Lebanon resulted in three fatalities and eleven injuries. Concurrently, Lebanon is dedicating its efforts to post-war reconstruction, even as Israeli attacks hamper recovery. Minister Fayez Rasamny affirmed reconstruction as a top government priority, noting that fieldwork is frequently disrupted. The government has finalized its assessment of war damages, estimating losses may exceed $11 billion, and has a clear vision for rebuilding. A $250 million World Bank loan is anticipated to fund the initial phase of rehabilitating critical facilities, a vital starting point for Lebanon’s extensive reconstruction.