Lebanese Shia Cleric Rejects Beirut-Israel Framework Agreement

Lebanon’s Grand Ja’afari Mufti Sheikh Ahmad Qabalan has strongly criticized the U.S.-backed framework agreement between the Lebanese government and Israel, declaring that the arrangement lacks legitimacy. He argued that the deal undermines Lebanon’s sovereignty and should not be recognized as a valid national agreement.

In a statement, Sheikh Qabalan said the framework effectively grants the Israeli military practical oversight over the activities of the Lebanese Armed Forces and territories occupied by Israel. He further claimed that the agreement amounts to implicit acceptance of Israeli military dominance in disputed areas, describing the provisions as a serious threat to Lebanon’s national interests.

The senior Shia cleric also condemned the agreement as a major national setback, accusing the United States of overseeing negotiations that he believes favor Israel. His remarks reflect continuing political divisions within Lebanon over relations with Israel and proposed security arrangements, with the framework remaining a subject of domestic and regional debate.