Beirut: Israel's calls to negotiate economic agreements with Lebanon are seen as an attempt to evade obligations under the ceasefire, according to Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri. His remarks come ahead of an anticipated meeting between Beirut and Tel Aviv under the Mechanism Committee, which was established to monitor the ceasefire agreement. Israel aims to broaden the agenda to include economic discussions, while Lebanon insists the focus should remain on halting Israeli attacks, securing Israel's withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories, and the release of approximately 20 Lebanese detainees.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lebanon's objectives for the meeting include gaining international recognition for the Lebanese army's effective operations south of the Litani River and increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel to honor the ceasefire. Mitri emphasized that respecting the ceasefire is essential for Israel's withdrawal from occupied areas and resolving the detainee issue. He criticized Israel's proposal to extend the committee's scope to economic agreements, arguing it detracts from addressing the core issues.

Lebanon's decision to appoint former ambassador Simon Karam to lead its delegation to the Mechanism Committee has faced criticism from Hezbollah, which views the move as premature. The decision contradicts previous assurances that civilian participation would depend on an end to hostilities.

Israel's public broadcaster recently reported that Israeli forces are prepared for potential attacks on Hezbollah-linked sites if Lebanon fails to dismantle the group's weapons by the end of 2025. Mitri, however, dismissed such statements as hypothetical and questioned the nature of the perceived threat, noting no direct warnings have been received from Israel.

Beirut remains focused on ensuring international acknowledgment of the Lebanese army's efforts to fulfill its commitments. Mitri argued that excessive pressure on Lebanon is unjustified, especially given the state's progress in meeting its obligations. In August, Lebanon approved a plan to place all weapons under state control, and by September, a five-phase plan to implement this decision was endorsed, although no timeline was set.

Lebanon and Israel agreed to a ceasefire following over a year of cross-border attacks. Despite the ceasefire terms, which required Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon by January, they maintain a military presence at several border outposts.

Mitri also highlighted Lebanon's efforts to enhance cooperation with Syria, following the fall of the Assad regime. Talks in Damascus with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa addressed bilateral issues, including the status of Syrian detainees in Lebanese prisons. Lebanon is preparing a judicial cooperation agreement for the transfer of Syrian prisoners, aiming for a near-term resolution through negotiation and compromise. Border security and land demarcation remain priorities, with maritime boundary discussions slated for future talks.