BEIRUT - Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on Sunday rejected a US-backed proposal to disarm Hezbollah, saying Lebanon would not give up its weapons "under threats or by violating the constitution."

In a televised address, Berri stressed that discussions over Hezbollah's arms could only take place in a "calm, consensual framework" under the constitution, ministerial statements, and international law.

In his speech, Berri dismissed attempts by foreign powers to pressure Lebanon into "unilateral concessions," saying such moves undermine national sovereignty.

The speaker noted that Lebanon had fully implemented its obligations under the November 2024 ceasefire with Israel and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, while Israel "expanded its occupation, carried out assassinations, and blocked residents of more than 30 towns and villages from returning to their homes."

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Berri also rejected proposals to assign disarmament responsibilities to the Lebanese Army, calling the army the country's "shield and fortress," which should not be drawn into political disputes. He said placing such a burden on the army would threaten its unity and weaken Lebanon's stability.

Under the US support, Israel and the Lebanese government have been calling for the disarmament of Hezbollah, which the group's leaders have rejected.

Since Nov 27, 2024, a ceasefire agreement between Hezbollah and Israel, brokered by the United States and France, has been in effect, aiming to end more than a year of cross-border clashes.

Despite the agreement, the Israeli army occasionally conducts strikes in Lebanon, claiming they are aimed at eliminating "Hezbollah threats".