Lebanon’s Mitri says divisive Israel framework still lacks government approval

Lebanon’s Mitri says divisive Israel framework still lacks government approval Submitted by Daniel Hilton on Wed, 07/15/2026 - 12:35 Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri tells MEE any deal with Israel to stop its war with Hezbollah must honour his country's demands and not deepen Lebanese divisions Deputy Premier Tarek Mitri arrives at the first meeting of Lebanon's new government at the presidential palace in Baabda, east of Beirut, on 11 February 2025 (AFP) Off The Israel - Lebanon framework is not workable in its current form and cannot become a binding agreement without approval from the Lebanese government, Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri has told Middle East Eye. Mitri drew the distinction between the president's constitutional role in negotiating on behalf of Lebanon and the Council of Ministers' role in approving any final agreement, describing the framework as the beginning of a process. Under Lebanon's constitution, he said, the president has the right to negotiate, but any proposed agreement must be brought before the cabinet.