Lebanese Parliament Speaker Berri Rejects Repeal of Israel Boycott Law
Translated & summarized from i24NEWS Arabic by baba
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri has declared that a proposed repeal of the 1955 law boycotting Israel will not pass in parliament, despite U.S. pressure. The U.S. has argued the law hinders peace efforts, with Ambassador Michel Issa calling for its end. However, most Lebanese political factions are hesitant to amend the law, linking any potential changes to broader political settlements and Israeli concessions. Repealing the law requires parliamentary approval, which is unlikely amid current political divisions.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated the 1955 Israel boycott law repeal will not pass parliament.
- U.S. officials, including Ambassador Michel Issa, have pressured Lebanon to end the boycott law.
- Lebanese factions, including Hezbollah and Amal, reject discussions on repealing the boycott law.
- Some Lebanese lawmakers link potential changes to the law to Israeli withdrawal and prisoner release.
- Repealing the 1955 law requires new legislation, which faces political division in Lebanon.
Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri stated that repealing the 1955 law boycotting Israel will not pass in parliament. This stance reflects the difficulty in responding to U.S. pressure to remove legal restrictions on contact with Israel, especially amid ongoing negotiations between the two sides. Berri reportedly said, "Whoever thinks the country is out of control is mistaken," and indicated he awaits a proposed bill to repeal the legislation. He stressed his rejection of deepening divisions and inciting sectarian tension, adding, "Lebanon will govern itself, and Hezbollah will win... and there will be a regional solution that satisfies Iran. The future is not for Netanyahu."
U.S. pressure on the boycott law, which they argue is used in politicized legal proceedings hindering peace efforts, was raised by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun. U.S. Ambassador to Beirut Michel Issa also called for ending the law's application amid direct talks between Lebanon and Israel brokered by Washington. The debate resurfaced after a complaint was filed against Lebanon's Ambassador to Washington, Nada Hamadeh, for communicating with the Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., despite her mission being authorized by the Lebanese state to follow up on negotiations.
Most Lebanese political factions appear unwilling to seriously discuss repealing or amending the law at this time, fearing it would be seen as a concession without Israeli reciprocation. Political forces, including Hezbollah and the Amal movement, insist on rejecting any discussion of repeal. Other parties believe legislative changes should be part of a broader political settlement, not a response to external pressure separate from developments on the ground. Some parliamentary voices, including representatives from the Progressive Socialist Party and the Free Patriotic Movement, link any discussion to an end to Israeli attacks, withdrawal from Lebanese territories, the return of prisoners, and reconstruction of affected areas.
The 1955 law prohibits dealings with Israel, and other legislation, including provisions in the Lebanese penal code, also governs relations with the country. Repealing the law requires new legislation passed by parliament, a step unlikely to succeed given the current political divisions.
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