Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has received the U.S. draft truce proposal aimed at ending the ongoing conflict with Israel, denying that it includes any provision granting Israel freedom of military action within Lebanese territory whenever it detects a threat to its security. 

In remarks published in Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, Berri stressed that both the U.S. and other international stakeholders are well aware that any such arrangement would be unthinkable for Lebanon, and that it should not even be open for discussion. 

Berri further rejected claims that the proposal includes the deployment of foreign forces, including NATO troops, in Lebanon, which has been a point of concern for many in the country. Instead, he revealed that the proposal includes a clause that Lebanon considers "unacceptable," specifically the establishment of a committee to oversee the implementation of U.N. Security Council Resolution 1701, which would involve several Western nations.

Berri criticized this suggestion and pointed out that there is already a clear existing mechanism that can be maintained, referring to the U.N. peacekeeping force stationed in southern Lebanon which has monitored the implementation of the resolution since the 2006 war.

Berri added that the discussions are progressing positively, and he remains hopeful about the outcome.

“Work is moving forward, the atmosphere is positive, and the outcome will tell,” he said, noting that the visit of U.S. mediator Amos Hochstein to Lebanon is contingent on the progress of these negotiations, Berri added.