Lebanon's Berri Calls Ending UNIFIL 'Greatest Crime Against South Lebanon'

What happened

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has declared ending the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission a 'greatest crime against the south,' emphasizing UNIFIL's critical role in maintaining security across southern Lebanon. Berri made these remarks to al-Joumhouria newspaper, as reported by Naharnet Lebanon.

Outside Brief is treating this as a source-led account. Any disputed responsibility, casualty figure or battlefield claim should be read as unconfirmed/hearsay unless confirmed by another reliable source. Berri underscored UNIFIL’s assigned duties, including supporting Lebanese Army deployment throughout Lebanese territory up to the international border, as mandated by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He described any termination of UNIFIL's mandate as effectively nullifying this resolution, stressing the necessity of its full implementation at this stage.

The Speaker also issued stern warnings about Israel’s actions in southern Lebanon, highlighting intensified attacks on towns and villages. According to Berri, these attacks include extensive detonations damaging civilian infrastructure and destroying the foundational fabric of southern communities, though these claims represent his official position without independent verification in the supplied context.

Known from the source

• Nabih Berri is the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament.
• Berri gave remarks to al-Joumhouria newspaper, reported by Naharnet Lebanon.
• Berri labeled ending UNIFIL’s mandate in southern Lebanon as 'the greatest crime against the south.'
• UNIFIL is tasked with supporting Lebanese Army deployment to the international border under UN Resolution 1701.
• Berri warned of intensified Israeli attacks on towns and villages in southern Lebanon, citing damage to civilian infrastructure.

What remains unclear

The situation in southern Lebanon remains tense, with UNIFIL considered a key buffer force amid ongoing conflict risks. Berri’s statements reflect Lebanese official concerns regarding regional security and the potential consequences if UN peacekeeping is withdrawn or restricted.

What remains unclear: Independent verification of claims about the scale and impact of Israeli attacks on southern Lebanese towns and civilian infrastructure. Latest official stance from UNIFIL or UN sources regarding their mandate and presence in southern Lebanon. Any response or comment from Israeli officials on the allegations made by Berri. Update background on the current status of UN Resolution 1701 and any recent developments affecting it.

Evidence note

Outside Brief has treated the source material as confirmed within the supplied source context, while retaining attribution to the original publisher.

Original source: Naharnet Lebanon. Open the source.