Berri not notified of Ortagus visit, says US hasn't done enough to stop Israeli violations
by Naharnet Newsdesk 27 May 2025, 14:51
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has only heard about U.S. Deputy Special Envoy for the Middle East Morgan Ortagus' visit to Lebanon from media reports.
Berri told local al-Joumhouria newspaper, in remarks published Tuesday, that he hasn't been formally informed that Ortagus would visit Lebanon next week and that he has not seen any tangible steps from the U.S. regarding the Israeli violations of the November ceasefire.
Israel has continued to launch near-daily airstrikes in southern and eastern Lebanon and sometimes in Beirut's suburbs despite a November 27 truce that sought to halt more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah including two months of full-blown war.
Under the terms of the ceasefire deal, the only armed bodies in southern Lebanon are meant to be U.N. peacekeepers and Lebanon's army, though Israel has retained its forces in five areas it has declared strategic.
"We are committed to the ceasefire," Berri said, urging the U.S. to compel Israel to stop its attacks.
Al-Akhbar newspaper had earlier reported that the Lebanese presidency was informed of a postponement of a visit by Ortagus from May to June and that the U.S. diplomat would carry with her a list of U.S. conditions for Israel's complete withdrawal from south Lebanon and a halt of its attacks on the country and would pressure Lebanon to consider joining peace accords with Israel.
Ortagus said last week that Lebanon still has "more" to do in disarming Hezbollah across the country.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Manar
37 minutes ago
- Al Manar
Israeli War Spending Tops $46 Billion as Daily Cost of Gaza Assault Surpasses $81 Million
As the Palestinian resistance endures in the face of relentless Israeli aggression, new data reveals the staggering toll the war has taken on the Zionist entity's economy. Israeli Channel 12 reported Thursday that, 600 days after the Palestinian resistance launched the landmark Operation Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023, the financial toll on the Israeli occupation—through its so-called 'Operation Swords of Iron'—has exceeded $46 billion in direct military costs, making it one of the most economically draining wars in its history. According to figures from the Israeli security establishment cited in the report, the average cost of a single day of war is approximately 300 million shekels (about $81 million). These figures represent only the direct military expenditures, excluding broader economic impacts such as civilian compensation, evacuation costs, and non-defense emergency measures. The report emphasized that the Israeli occupation forces, unusually transparent for a military institution, have provided real-time budgetary updates throughout the conflict. Of the total more than $40 billion spent so far: Approximately $1.36 billion has been allocated for rehabilitation, medical treatment, and family support services. However, Channel 12 noted growing concern within the defense establishment and Finance Ministry over the enduring nature of these costs. Unlike wartime expenditures, these are long-term liabilities. Payments to wounded soldiers, widows, orphans, and others under the Ministry of War's Rehabilitation Division will persist for years. The report added that around 16,000 Zionist soldiers have been injured in the war so far, with nearly 50% suffering from psychological trauma. Channel 12 linked the war's staggering cost directly to the adoption of the Israeli austerity budget for 2025, which includes tax increases to help cover military expenditures. The Finance Ministry, the report added, fears the prolonged conflict could force a reopening of the 2025 budget due to projected overspending by the security establishment in the billions. This scenario could result in further budget cuts and additional tax hikes as early as 2026. The war's mounting financial burden continues to drain the Israeli occupation's economy, reflecting the sustained resilience and impact of the Palestinian resistance.
LBCI
2 hours ago
- LBCI
Zafer Nasser to LBCI: Backs Aoun's approach to Hezbollah arms, slams party's moral judgments
Progressive Socialist Party Secretary General Zafer Nasser voiced support for President Joseph Aoun's handling of the Hezbollah weapons issue, describing it as the most effective and reasonable approach compared to others. Speaking on LBCI's "Nharkom Said" TV show, Nasser said Hezbollah has no right to decide who is patriotic and who isn't, stressing that the party cannot grant 'certificates of nationalism' or accuse others of treason. Commenting on the municipal and local elections, Nasser explained that from the moment elections were announced, the party leadership decided to give local communities the freedom to make their own choices. 'We didn't run formal partisan lists in the traditional sense — it wasn't about the party fielding a list against another,' he said.
Al Manar
3 hours ago
- Al Manar
Speaker Berri Rejects Clashes with UNIFIL, Says Lebanon Fully Adhered to Ceasefire
Lebanese Speaker Nabih Berri voiced rejection to any kind of clashes between Lebanese citizens and UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon. In remarks published by Al-Jomhouriyah Newspaper on Friday, Speaker Berri said the UNIFIL movements on the ground must be coordinated with the Lebanese Army and the international forces must be accompanied by the national army. 'However, if this doesn't happen sometimes, overreaction should be avoided,' he said, as quoted by the paper. In this context, Speaker Berri stressed the 'need to address any misunderstanding calmly and wisely,' noting that the 'UNIFIL was subjected to several Israeli attacks during the latest war on Lebanon.' 'We know that the Israeli enemy does not want it to remain in south Lebanon, and that is enough for us to stand with it.' The Lebanese speaker affirmed that reconstruction is a top priority. 'It should be a priority for the government,' he explained, adding that he 'counts on the Council of the South playing a key role in monitoring the reconstruction efforts and accelerating its stages.' Speaker Berri stressed, meanwhile that Lebanon has 'fully adhered to the ceasefire agreement regarding dismantling weapons south of the Litani River.' On the other hand, he pointed to the importance of the municipal elections held in south Lebanon last week in defiance of the difficult circumstances resulting from the Israeli aggression. He noted that the elected municipalities will have to play an effective role in the reconstruction project when it will be launched. Asked about the relation with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Speaker Berri said that the premier's tone sets the tone. 'He brings the heat, we'll match it; he stays cool, so will we.'
