Berri says Lebanese prefer 'face-to-face confrontation' but rules out Israeli invasion

Speaker Nabih Berri has said that Lebanon has become used to the Israeli threats although they have increased in recent days.

In an interview with al-Joumhouria newspaper, Berri also ruled out a major ground attack on Lebanon while noting that Israel will likely increase its military operations that will become more intensive and widespread.

“A direct, face-to-face ground confrontation with the Israelis is what we wish for and to us it is much better than mutual shelling. The enemy knows it will pay a heavy price if it tries to advance on the ground, that’s why I rule out that it would resort to such a choice, unless it wants to commit a foolishness,” Berri added.

The Speaker also noted that the Houthi missile that crossed 2,040 kilometers before hitting Tel Aviv should push Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to “reevaluate his calculations well before deciding to start any reckless adventure against Lebanon.”

“If one missile from Yemen has made this impact inside the Israeli entity, what if missiles rain from an area next to occupied Palestine?” Berri added.

In earlier remarks to NBN television, Berri said Israeli can only dream of recreating a buffer zone in Lebanon.

As for the presidential file, Berri said his latest proposed amendments to his presidential initiative are his “final” offer in this regard.

“All the parties of the five-nation group for Lebanon have supported our presidential initiative in a separate manner, so what prevents them from announcing their unified support?” Berri wondered.