Lebanon’s parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Sunday his country will not be dragged to war.
In remarks to Asharq Al-Awsat, he added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to lure Hezbollah to make a move that would lead to the expansion of the war on Gaza to Lebanon.
He will find out that the party will not fall into his trap, stressed Berri.
He slammed Israel for its scorched earth policy in its attacks on southern Lebanon, citing its use of banned phosphorous shells. He condemned it for its killing of women, children, medics and healthcare workers.
“We don’t want war and will not be dragged to one, but we have the right to defend ourselves with all of our might and means,” vowed Berri.
However, “we will continue to resist Israel’s plans and commit to the rules of engagement,” he added, while demanding the application of of United Nations resolution 1701.
Furthermore, the speaker called on the international community to pressure Israel to implement the resolution and cease its violations of Lebanese sovereignty.
“We call on the United States to apply enough pressure on Netanyahu to make him stop his aggression against Lebanon,” Berri said.
He noted, however, that Netanyahu has so far been able to “extort” the US and “cripple its ability to stop” the conflict.
He is also exploiting the US presidential election, which in turn is making Washington hesitate in taking a firm stance in exerting the needed pressure and secure a ceasefire.
