Berri says only Trump can pressure Israel to end Lebanon war

Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said Tuesday that the U.S. administration and President Donald Trump are the only parties capable of pressuring Israel to end its war on Lebanon.

"The main obstacle to implementing the ceasefire agreement is Israel's non-compliance with its obligations under all past accords," Berri said.

He reiterated that Lebanon's sovereign right to prosecute Israel for war crimes cannot be waived under any circumstances.

His remarks follow concerns over the U.S.-brokered framework deal reached in June, which stipulates that both countries "end all hostile or negative actions in international political and legal forums." This clause restricts Lebanon from pursuing genocide, war crimes, or reparations claims against Israel at venues like the International Court of Justice (ICJ) or the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Berri also urged the U.N. Security Council to renew the mandate for UNIFIL peacekeepers operating in southern Lebanon ahead of its upcoming vote, warning that ending the force's mission would be a "sin".