Stopping the Israeli Military Move Towards Beirut.. How Did the American Mediation via Nabih Berri Succeed?

Informed sources revealed critical hours of intense negotiations and diplomatic mediations led by Washington with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, which succeeded in defusing an imminent military escalation and culminated in US President Donald Trump's announcement of stopping the Israeli military move towards the capital Beirut.

The Hebrew newspaper "Maariv" said that the backstage of the hours preceding the announcement reveals a pivotal role for Nabih Berri in conveying messages from "Hezbollah" to the US administration, as Washington sought to achieve a quick calm that preserves broader regional diplomatic tracks, foremost among them the ongoing negotiations with Iran.

It added that Washington activated an intensive mediation channel with Beirut, where Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, who is politically close to "Hezbollah", undertook to convey messages to the US administration stating that the party is ready to immediately cease fire. This message was passed through the US Ambassador in Beirut, Michel Issa, in an attempt to convince Washington to obstruct the Israeli military step that was being prepared.

Trump's approach in dealing with "Hezbollah", even if through intermediaries and without any direct contact, was completely unusual, given that the party is classified as a terrorist organization in the United States. This indirect communication, through official Lebanese channels, reflects the extent of the White House's insistence on containing the escalation before it spirals out of control.

According to Lebanese sources, Washington initially studied a limited formula stipulating that Hezbollah stop its attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel refraining from targeting a quiet city. However, Nabih Berri, along with Hezbollah, pushed for a broader understanding that includes a complete ceasefire from both sides, according to the same sources.

Israeli officials confirm that Tel Aviv, even if truces are reached, will not give up its freedom of action against what it considers threats originating from Lebanon. Here lies the essence of the tension with Washington: while the US administration seeks to stabilize the situation and maintain the diplomatic track, Israel insists on not allowing Hezbollah to exploit any understandings as a cover preventing it from responding.

In parallel, a notable question arises regarding US President Donald Trump's claim that he communicated with Hezbollah through "senior representatives." So far, the identity of these intermediaries has not been revealed, but most indications suggest that the primary channel passed through Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and Lebanese political institutions, not through direct or public communication with Hezbollah itself.

Amid the rapid developments, direct talks between Israel and Lebanon continue in Washington, as informed sources indicate that the latest developments will be a main focus of discussion in the coming days.

The US administration believes that de-escalation could open a window for concluding broader arrangements on the northern border, thereby enhancing stability opportunities and supporting the existing diplomatic track.

These understandings come in the context of a series of American efforts aimed at stabilizing Lebanon through a temporary ceasefire and an attempt to extend it.

However, the latest developments have once again revealed the fragility of this track, as any increase in the rate of fire from "Hezbollah", or Israel carrying out an attack on Beirut, could quickly blow up the achievement that Trump rushed to promote.

At this stage, it appears that Trump succeeded, albeit temporarily, in stopping a large-scale Israeli military movement inside Beirut, and extracting a commitment, according to his narrative, to a ceasefire from Hezbollah.

However, the fundamental question remains open: Does this step represent a tactical truce for hours or days, or is it the beginning of a broader political track that may have a direct impact on the entire Lebanese scene?