Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament Nabih Berri emphasized that “those leading systematic political bullying, insults, demonization, and belittlement against a sect foundational to the Lebanese entity, before, during, and still after the aggression, have worked openly and secretly to prolong the vacuum. Malicious minds are more dangerous to Lebanon than the resistance’s arms, which liberated the land and people and preserved dignity and national sovereignty.”

He stated: “Despite this denial, we reiterate our openness to discuss the fate of these arms, which are our pride and honor as Lebanon, within a calm consensual dialogue under the constitution, oath speech, ministerial statement, laws, and international covenants, leading to formulating a national security strategy that protects Lebanon, liberates its land, and preserves its internationally recognized borders. Never under threat, undermining sectarian balance, violating the constitution, or bypassing the ministerial statement and oath speech, nor overthrowing the ceasefire agreement that implements UNSC Resolution 1701.” He warned against “the combination of ignorance and fanaticism becoming behavior for some, which is the path to destruction.”

He recalled: “Forty-seven years, O face of the prophets. An era of disappearance. The secret of survival… and purity… from Ashura and the pulse of Karbala and the secret of reunion. Believing Lebanon is a final homeland for all its children, a path we chose, not just a slogan to commemorate your disappearance this year, but behavior, speech, and action for which we have made and will make the highest sacrifices without change. In your memory, Imam, to you, Sheikh Muhammad Yaacoub, and journalist Abbas Badruddin, a pledge of loyalty and belonging, and through you, a salute of pride and appreciation to all martyrs, especially those who fell during the recent Israeli aggression that targeted and still targets Lebanon, foremost among them brother and comrade Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Greetings to your supporters in Lebanon and abroad, and to the inhabitants of border villages whose homes were destroyed and fields burned.”

He added: “The beginning, as usual, with the crime of disappearance, kidnapping, and detention of Imam Sayyed Musa al-Sadr and his companions, a crime executed by Muammar Gaddafi. Briefly on the investigation progress in this ongoing 47-year-old crime, with deliberate concealment and non-cooperation by current Libyan authorities, leaving the investigation stalled for a second year without progress. This not only raises condemnation but also places Libyan authorities under suspicion and conspiracy. We are convinced that the kidnapping of the nation’s and resistance’s Imam and his companions in August 1978 goes beyond the disappearance of dear persons and national, spiritual, and human symbols; it is also a continuous attempt to kidnap Lebanon with its role and civilizational message to the world. We pledged to the Imam al-Sadr family and supporters that no matter how long time passes, we will neither forget, compromise, nor forgive in this matter.

It is bigger than a sectarian issue; it is a national cause, and the nation does not die.”

Regarding political developments, he recalled the memory of those unwilling to remember his positions since November 27, 2024, including his call for southern residents to return to their villages, appealing to all political forces. He stressed that the phase is not for reopening wounds or dancing on blood, but extended a sincere hand for cooperation to save Lebanon. They completed the presidential entitlement, welcomed and supported the oath speech, despite knowing those who lead political bullying and demonization against a sect foundational to Lebanon were working secretly and openly to prolong the vacuum, betting on Israeli aggression outcomes to disrupt power balances and revive old and new projects, even on the back of Israeli tanks. This does not represent Lebanon or its people who opened their homes in various regions to southern guests, a memory they will never forget.

He warned against ignorance and fanaticism becoming behavior, leading to destruction, and urged caution against hate speech invading minds and media platforms. He reaffirmed that malicious minds are more dangerous to Lebanon than the resistance’s arms, which liberated the land and preserved dignity and sovereignty. Despite denial, they remain open to discussing the arms’ fate within a calm consensual dialogue under constitutional and legal frameworks, aiming to formulate a national security strategy protecting Lebanon and its borders. He condemned threats, undermining sectarian balance, constitutional violations, and bypassing agreements like the ceasefire under UNSC Resolution 1701, which Lebanon fully implemented, as confirmed by UNIFIL reports and commanders. Lebanon continues through its army to complete what remains unimplemented, while Israeli political and military levels have not complied with any clauses, including withdrawal from occupied lands known as the five hills.

Worse, after Lebanon’s government approved objectives of the so-called American paper, Israel increased its occupation inside Lebanese territory, continuing aggression, assassination, and preventing residents of over 30 towns and villages from returning. Not all these villages are Shiite; more than 10 belong to the Sunni community, and some resemble Lebanon’s Muslim-Christian wings, such as Yaroun and Khiam, where Israeli aggression targeted both mosques and churches equally.”

He affirmed that the stance of the ministers from the March 8 alliance in the government sessions of August 5 and 7 was not sectarian but a patriotic position out of care for Lebanon. He criticized the American paper for exceeding the principle of arms limitation, seeming to replace the November ceasefire agreement, which Lebanon fully implemented while Israel insisted on continuing fire, violating sovereignty, and refusing withdrawal, even expanding occupation. It is unacceptable to throw the fireball into the Lebanese army’s lap, which they consider the shield and fortress of the nation, especially as it plays a sacred national role in the south in implementing Resolution 1701 and protecting civil peace across Lebanon.

He referred to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s recent boastful declaration of a historic and spiritual mission to achieve the dream of Greater Israel, holding a blue map including all Lebanon. He questioned whether the Israeli army chief’s visit and tour of southern border villages and occupied sites is not an insult to sovereignty. He called these scenes an opportunity for all. He emphasized their advocacy for unity and cooperation, recalling their collaboration to achieve important national milestones, including government formation, confidence votes, and laws establishing rule of law and institutions, such as judicial independence and banking restructuring. Soon, the financial gap law must be enacted to return depositors’ funds. Only with this spirit and constitutional responsibility, without compromising constants, can Lebanon be protected, sedition averted, reconstruction advanced, and Lebanon preserved as a final homeland for all its children.

He concluded: “The pledge is the pledge, and the oath is the oath to His Eminence Imam Leader Sayyed Musa al-Sadr to preserve Lebanon and its heart, the south.”