Berri urges Lebanese government to request urgent UNSC session

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English
Today 15:20

Lebanon’s Speaker Nabih Berri calls for an urgent UN Security Council session as Israeli attacks on civilians escalate and violations of Resolution 1701 intensify.

In this photo released by the Lebanese Presidency Press Office, Lebanese president Joseph Aoun, center, meets with Prime Minister-designate Nawaf Salam, right, and parliament speaker Nabih Berri, left, in Baabda, Lebanon, on February 6, 2025 (Lebanese Presidency press office via AP)

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri warned on Wednesday that the Israeli occupation is escalating its attacks against civilians in the south, calling for immediate international action as Israeli violations of Resolution 1701 intensify.

Berri said the Israeli enemy “is repeating its crime of targeting civilians, children, students, most recently in the town of At-Tiri.”

He added, “Unfortunately, Lebanon, which is committed to Resolution 1701 and the cessation of hostilities agreement, has become the target of condemnation and criticism,” despite abiding by its obligations.

The Speaker stressed that Lebanon “must continue to submit complaints to the Security Council,” and today it is required to call for an urgent session.

He reiterated that the country is compelled to request an emergency session “to condemn Israeli violations.”

Aoun: Army steadfast despite smear campaigns

Meanwhile, President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed that the Lebanese Army remains firm in its duty to safeguard the nation, regardless of pressure, incitement, or efforts to undermine its role.

His remarks came during a phone call with Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal, during which he extended condolences for the soldiers martyred the previous night while pursuing drug traffickers in the Sharaouna neighborhood of Baalbek. He also wished a swift recovery to those wounded.

“The army once again pays with the blood of its men to protect Lebanese society from the scourge of drugs and uphold the rule of law,” Aoun stated, emphasizing that the fallen troops “joined a long line of comrades who have sacrificed the most precious for the sake of their oath.”

He underscored that the army, working closely with other security agencies, continues to combat criminal activity, protect borders, and extend state authority across Lebanese territory.

Beirut preparing new UNSC complaint over Israeli wall

Aoun’s comments also followed his call last week for Lebanon to file an urgent complaint to the UNSC over "Israel’s" construction of a concrete wall that breaches the UN-demarcated Blue Line marking the line of Israeli withdrawal in 2000.

The president instructed Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji to direct Lebanon’s permanent mission to the UN to file the complaint and to attach UN reports that contradict Israeli denials, confirming that the wall blocks residents from accessing more than 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has informed the Israeli occupation of the need to dismantle the structure, condemning its construction inside Lebanese territory and asserting it violates the UN resolution.

Berri and Aoun’s remarks come as the Lebanese Army and its commander face escalating accusations from American lawmakers, particularly Senators Lindsey Graham and Joni Ernst. The senators criticized General Haykal over a recent Army statement addressing the ongoing Israeli attacks targeting UNIFIL personnel. In that statement, the Army, in full accordance with the official Lebanese stance, referred to "Israel" as an “enemy", which obviously upset the US officials.