Lebanon: Mikati's Gov't Presents Exceptional Social, Financial Measures

 President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Baabda Palace. (Photo: NNA)
President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Baabda Palace. (Photo: NNA)
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Lebanon: Mikati's Gov't Presents Exceptional Social, Financial Measures

 President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Baabda Palace. (Photo: NNA)
President Michel Aoun and Prime Minister Najib Mikati at the Baabda Palace. (Photo: NNA)

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati presented his cabinet’s ministerial statement, promising exceptional economic, social and financial measures with an emphasis on national constants and adherence to the constitution.

Lebanon’s new government won a vote of confidence on Monday for a policy program that aims to remedy the economic crisis.

Addressing the deputies, Mikati said: “Our government is present here today to gain confidence, in a circumstance that necessitates exceptional approaches amid a stifling economic, social, financial and living crisis…”

The prime minister highlighted the national constants that will govern the government’s work, citing “commitment to the provisions of the Constitution and the National Accord Document, respect for international laws and covenants and all resolutions of international legitimacy, commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, and continued support for the United Nations forces operating in the South.”

He also emphasized Lebanon’s call on the international community to put an end to the permanent Israeli violations and threats to Lebanese sovereignty, by land, sea and air.

Mikati affirmed “absolute support of the army and all security forces in controlling security along the borders and at home.”

Regarding Hezbollah, Mikati’s government reiterated “adherence to the truce agreement, the complete liberation of the occupied Lebanese territories… and the right of Lebanese citizens to resist the Israeli occupation.”

On the issue of Palestinian and Syrian refugees, the ministerial statement underlined “the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland” and “the safe return of displaced Syrians,” while expressing rejection of any integration or resettlement plans.

The statement pointed to “strengthening Lebanon’s relations with the brotherly Arab countries…calling on the Arab brothers to stand by Lebanon.” It also stressed the importance of activating the “engagement with the international community and its European partner in a way that serves the higher interests of the country.”

The government affirmed its “commitment to holding the parliamentary elections on time.”

Regarding the economic and financial situation, the government pledged to “immediately resume negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to reach an agreement on a support plan, and to adopt a short and medium-term rescue program...”

It also vowed to develop a plan to reform and restructure the banking and revitalize the economic cycle, giving priority to ensuring the rights and funds of depositors and seeking to pass a law on capital control.

On the social level, Mikati’s government stressed the need “to secure an economic-social-health safety net to restore the purchasing power, activate the relevant social institutions, put the financing card project into effect... and reactivate the loans provided by the Public Housing Corporation.”



Where Do the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Stand?

Palestinians carry bodies of relatives killed in Israeli strike in Khan Younis on Tuesday. (AP)
Palestinians carry bodies of relatives killed in Israeli strike in Khan Younis on Tuesday. (AP)
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Where Do the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Talks Stand?

Palestinians carry bodies of relatives killed in Israeli strike in Khan Younis on Tuesday. (AP)
Palestinians carry bodies of relatives killed in Israeli strike in Khan Younis on Tuesday. (AP)

Israeli media has intensified coverage of a potential breakthrough in negotiations with Hamas aimed at securing a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which could pave the way for more serious talks on a permanent truce, according to both Israeli officials and sources within the Palestinian group.

Hamas sources confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat that indirect negotiations are still underway, although no tangible progress has been achieved so far.

They described the process as “ongoing but fluctuating,” citing shifts in momentum due to regional distractions, including the Iranian-Israeli conflict, and the mediators’ engagement with other files they deem more pressing.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hinted at possible progress, saying he might dispatch a delegation to resume negotiations and had instructed officials to push forward with talks.

Senior Hamas officials inside and outside Gaza said there have been moments of increased activity in the talks, but no major breakthrough has occurred. However, they acknowledged some progress based on “positive signals” conveyed by mediators regarding a proposal recently advanced by US envoy Steve Witkoff.

The US plan reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire period during which Israeli hostages held by Hamas would be released in stages.

According to Hamas sources, mediators have assured the group that such a phased release would ensure Israel’s commitment to the ceasefire throughout the full duration of the truce.

Sources have not ruled out the possibility of a “serious breakthrough” in ceasefire negotiations in the coming days, but warned that any progress ultimately depends on Israel’s stance.

“The main obstacle is not just ensuring a 60-day ceasefire,” one Hamas official told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“The real issue is securing clear guarantees that serious negotiations will follow that could lead to a comprehensive agreement to end the war. Israel continues to stall on this point, and that could once again derail the entire process,” they added.

The official dismissed recent Israeli media reports claiming “significant progress” had been made, calling them “nothing but political maneuvering.”

“Everything depends on Israel,” the source told Asharq Al-Awsat. “But so far, the Netanyahu government has failed to offer any clear commitments to ending the war. What’s being circulated in the Israeli media is just part of Israel’s ongoing evasive tactics.”

Hamas sources said mediators had offered reassurances regarding the implementation of a humanitarian protocol and steps to alleviate Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis - issues the group says must be addressed alongside any ceasefire arrangement.

Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported Tuesday that unnamed regional sources have pointed to “very significant progress” in negotiations toward a potential hostage deal, which could include a ceasefire and steps to end the war in Gaza.

“The two sides have shown flexibility, but both are wary of the consequences of confronting Iran,” one source was quoted as saying. The report added that the Israeli delegation has yet to travel to Doha out of concern that doing so could slow, rather than accelerate, the pace of negotiations.

According to the newspaper, US officials recently told the families of Israeli hostages that there are “extremely positive signs” of a potential breakthrough.

However, an unnamed Israeli official cautioned that the talks cover far more than just the initial stage of releasing eight to ten living captives. “The issues at hand are much broader and relate to effectively ending the war,” the official said.

Families of the Israeli hostages have been urging the government to prioritize their release and to seize the opportunity presented by the situation with Iran to push for a resolution.