Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: US Working to Extend Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said the US is working to extend the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, while President Joseph Aoun confirmed that “bilateral negotiations will be handled by Lebanon through a delegation headed by Ambassador Simon Karam, and no one will take part on Lebanon’s behalf or replace it in this mission.” US Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa visited Aoun and Berri after returning to Beirut for the first time since the announcement of a 10-day temporary truce, without making any media statements. Berri told Asharq Al-Awsat that Washington is pursuing efforts to extend the ceasefire, declining to disclose his position on the direct negotiations with Israel that the president is planning. In remarks distributed by the Lebanese presidency’s media office, Aoun said negotiations aim to halt hostilities, end the Israeli occupation of areas in the south, and deploy the army along the internationally recognized southern border. Aoun added: “US President Donald Trump showed full understanding and responsiveness during our call regarding Lebanon’s demands, and intervened with Israel to halt hostilities and prepare to launch a negotiating track that would end the abnormal situation and restore the authority of the Lebanese state and its sovereignty over all its territory, foremost the south.” He said contacts would continue to preserve the ceasefire and begin negotiations, which should be backed by the broadest national support so the negotiating team can achieve its objectives. He continued: “The upcoming negotiations are separate from any other talks, because Lebanon faces two options: either the continuation of war with its humanitarian, social, economic and sovereignty-related consequences, or negotiations to put an end to this war and achieve sustainable stability. I have chosen negotiations, and I remain hopeful that we can save Lebanon.”