The reported visit of Ali Hassan Khalil, political aide to Nabih Berri, to Saudi Arabia was no coincidence. It carried deliberate political signals at multiple levels, both domestically and regionally.
The timing is particularly significant. It coincided with a direct Lebanese-Israeli meeting in Washington, at a moment when Berri publicly warned against negotiating under fire while Israel continued its strikes in southern Lebanon. At the same time, the visit reflects growing tensions between Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and the Shiite political alliance led by Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
The visit also overlaps with broader regional developments, including ongoing backchannel discussions between the United States and Iran aimed at preparing a second round of negotiations. This context was reinforced by recent contact between Abbas Araghchi and Faisal bin Farhan.
At the domestic level, Saudi Arabia’s strong backing of Nawaf Salam has become increasingly visible. Preparations for a political gathering in Beirut in support of Salam—reportedly with Saudi backing—signal an effort to consolidate Sunni political support around him. This development poses a challenge to the Shiite duo, raising questions about how they will respond to a show of political strength aligned with Riyadh.
Berri’s concerns extend beyond political rivalry. There is growing anxiety over Sunni-Shiite relations and the risk of internal instability. Tensions in Beirut, combined with dissatisfaction over government decisions and broader social pressures, have heightened fears of sectarian escalation. Within this framework, the visit to Saudi Arabia can be understood as an attempt to maintain internal balance and prevent further deterioration.
Regionally, the visit reflects Lebanon’s entanglement in the evolving relationship between Iran and Saudi Arabia. Tehran appears interested in stabilizing ties with Gulf countries, while Riyadh continues to monitor Hezbollah’s influence in Lebanon with caution. Although Saudi Arabia has not openly opposed Lebanon’s direct talks with Israel, it has also refrained from endorsing them, maintaining a calculated position.
According to political sources, Saudi Arabia is fully aware of the trajectory of U.S.-Iran negotiations, which have reportedly made significant progress behind the scenes. This raises the prospect of a broader regional understanding that could eventually impact Lebanon. In this context, Riyadh is positioning itself to play a role in any future settlement.
For Berri, maintaining communication with Saudi Arabia is essential. The visit allowed him to clarify his stance on negotiations with Israel, outline concerns about Israeli military actions, and explain the limitations facing the Lebanese government. It also served as a channel to convey the position of the Shiite alliance regarding its relationship with Salam.
Ultimately, the visit underscores a broader reality: Lebanon’s internal political dynamics cannot be separated from regional power shifts. As negotiations evolve and alliances adjust, Saudi Arabia appears intent on reasserting its influence in Lebanon, while local actors seek to secure their positions within an uncertain and shifting landscape.
