Do the positions of Speaker Nabih Berri reflect a distribution of roles aimed at protecting the resistance and the Shiite environment and maintaining its military and political control in Lebanon, or a sensing of imminent dangers?

This question resonates within the Shiite community and beyond, in light of accumulating indicators of widening disparities between the Amal Movement and Hezbollah, which emerged since the support war and deepened in the recent phase, culminating in Berri's declaration that his relationship with the former party secretary-general, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, was closer, affirming that "there is no older brother or younger brother," a statement interpreted by many as an expression of distinction that transcends mere political differences.

On March 2, the launch of six rockets by Hezbollah towards Israel, in support of Iran following the assassination of the Iranian leader and several senior military and political leaders, marked a pivotal moment in the relationship between the two parties. According to circulating information, Berri had conveyed to President Joseph Aoun and the American and Saudi sides the party's position, amid Israeli warnings of the repercussions of any intervention, which included targeting infrastructure and expanding military operations up to the Litani River and the southern suburbs. The party had informed Berri, according to the same information, that it would not support Iran this time, considering the pressures from its supportive environment and the difficult conditions experienced by the south and the Shiites.

In this context, a knowledgeable Shiite leader conveyed to "Al-Markaziya" what transpired in a meeting between Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh and deputies from the Amal Movement and Hezbollah, stating: The Iranian official informed the attendees that Tehran would not ask the party for military support if it were attacked by the U.S. or Israel, affirming its ability to respond, and emphasizing the necessity of maintaining unity within the Shiite duo and not undermining the party's deterrent strength. He also urged avoiding getting dragged into unbalanced confrontations, warning of steps that could negatively impact the Shiite environment, and stressing the need for "political coexistence" under the umbrella of distinction, to prevent friction between the supporters of both sides. Berri reportedly conveyed the Iranian position to President Aoun.

However, the disagreement between Amal and Hezbollah quickly escalated over the party's positions and actions, particularly regarding arms transfers during this critical phase. Berri's recent statements are now interpreted in the context of this distancing, while independent circles within the Shiite community tell "Al-Markaziya" of a disagreement that extends beyond political files to administrative appointments and the distribution of positions within the state. They point to leaks and mutual accusations, with some accusing Berri of appeasing the authority, the United States, and Saudi Arabia, while circles close to the party claim that it informed Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam of its rejection of the government's dissolution or amendment, and its opposition to using the street in a way that threatens stability and civil peace. These circles believe that these disagreements may reflect disparities within Iran itself, between the diplomatic path and the military institution, particularly the Revolutionary Guard, and that their repercussions may have extended to Hezbollah's political and military decision-making.

So, can Berri and the party contain the distinctions under the umbrella of unity, or will the upcoming phase reveal a deeper fracture within the duo, at a time when the Shiite environment faces increasing political, security, and economic challenges?