Lebanese parliament speaker criticizes ceasefire committee, says Israeli attacks amount to war

BEIRUT, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Tuesday that it is unacceptable for Lebanon to continue being subjected to Israeli attacks, expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of the ceasefire monitoring committee tasked with overseeing the truce.

In remarks to Al-Joumhouria, a local newspaper, Berri said the committee had failed to fulfill its role in enforcing the ceasefire agreement, despite being mandated not only to monitor violations but also to prevent them and ensure compliance.

He stressed that Lebanon had fully adhered to the agreement since its announcement in November 2024 and had committed no breaches.

Berri added the Lebanese army had carried out its duties south of the Litani River "in full," while Israel had violated the ceasefire through continued attacks and assassinations in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut's southern suburbs.

Asked about the likelihood of war or escalation, Berri said Israel's actions amounted to an ongoing war since the ceasefire was declared.

He noted that Lebanon cannot accept remaining exposed to Israeli attacks, being turned into a "firing range," the continued occupation of Lebanese territory, or the continued detention of Lebanese prisoners in Israeli jails, stressing that these issues must remain at the top of the state's priorities.

Despite a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel that has been in effect since Nov. 27, 2024, the Israeli army occasionally launched strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at removing Hezbollah "threats."

Backed by the United States and France, and involving Lebanon, Israel, and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, the ceasefire mechanism committee is tasked with monitoring violations and supporting implementation of the ceasefire, particularly in southern Lebanon, to help prevent renewed fighting. ■