Berri Says Framework Deal Surprise Over Pilot Zones, Indicating Divisions With Aoun

What happened

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told Ad-Diyar newspaper that he was 'surprised' by the adoption of a 'pilot zones' mechanism in the framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, which he described as an 'agreement of sedition.' Berri said this mechanism contrasts with his prior understanding with President Joseph Aoun, who had agreed with him to demand that any Israeli withdrawal be based on 'administrative districts.'

Berri asserted that Hezbollah is prepared to withdraw from south of the Litani River in parallel with a full Israeli withdrawal and to integrate its weapons across Lebanon under the Lebanese state framework. He accused Israel of trying to drag the Lebanese Army into conflict with Hezbollah but said neither force would be pushed into serving Israeli goals, stressing the Lebanese public’s awareness of the dangers of internal strife.

Internal Lebanese stability remains Berri’s top priority, with the Speaker warning against political disputes spilling into the streets. He also said Lebanon needs a broad international umbrella to support a settlement, naming the United States, Saudi Arabia, and Iran as essential guarantors—an acknowledgment of the complex regional players involved in Lebanon's security and political future.

Known from the source

• Nabih Berri described the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement as an 'agreement of sedition' in remarks to Ad-Diyar newspaper.
• Berri had previously agreed with President Joseph Aoun to demand Israeli withdrawal based on administrative districts, not pilot zones.
• The finalized framework agreement reportedly adopted the pilot zones mechanism, which surprised Berri.
• Berri said Hezbollah is prepared to withdraw south of the Litani River alongside full Israeli withdrawal and to integrate its weapons under the Lebanese state framework.
• Berri accused Israel of attempts to drag the Lebanese Army into conflict with Hezbollah, which he stated would not happen.

What remains unclear

This reported divergence between key Lebanese leaders on terms of withdrawal and deal mechanisms signals potential challenges in securing united Lebanese support for ongoing negotiations with Israel. It also reflects the continuing prominence of Hezbollah's role in southern Lebanon's security dynamic, a core concern for ceasefire and peace prospects.

What remains unclear: Confirmation of the exact contents and adoption of the pilot zones mechanism in the Lebanon-Israel framework agreement. Verification of Hezbollah’s willingness and official stance regarding weapon integration and withdrawal south of the Litani River. Assessment of any official Lebanese government consensus or dissent beyond Berri and Aoun’s reported positions. Independent confirmation of Israeli or UNIFIL response to the framework agreement terms.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has kept this brief source-led and attributed. Claims should be read alongside the original source linked below.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.