There are increasing voices, both from inside and outside the country, urging Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri to categorically state his position regarding Hezbollah’s continued violation of the government’s decision to restrict weapons to the state. Berri faces very great pressure that calls for him to announce a clear position that will end the current state of uncertainty.
Information indicates that Berri is under direct external pressure demanding that he clarify his position on the party’s continued violation of the government decision, and the resulting consequences that may push Lebanon to the brink of war. These pressures focus on the importance of declaring a clear position on the arms issue and on the authority to make decisions about war and peace, in light of government commitments.
In parallel, the atmosphere indicates that Berri is also facing great internal embarrassment within his Shiite popular base due to Hezbollah’s policies, especially with regard to the effects of the party’s performance on the political and security situation, and the accompanying bearing of direct or indirect responsibilities in this context.
The current demands are for Berri to take a step to put an end to this issue through a decisive position that clearly defines his position, whether by adhering to the government’s decision to disarm, or by dealing with the continued unilateralism of a decision that leads the country towards an open confrontation.
