Doha: Lebanon denied reports claiming that Beirut had begun negotiations to normalize relations with Israel. Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Youssef Raji stated that the issue of normalization with Israel has not been officially raised with Lebanon. He emphasized, in a statement on the sidelines of a Lebanese Cabinet session, that the media reports circulating about talks between Lebanon and Israel on normalization are completely false.

According to Qatar News Agency, Raji added that the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not been informed of any request regarding normalization from any side.

In another context, the Lebanese Cabinet approved new security and military appointments on Thursday. Lebanese Minister of Information Paul Marcos, while reading the decisions of the Cabinet session, announced that Brigadier Rudolf Heikal has been appointed Commander of the Army, Brig. Gen. Raed Abdullah as director general of the internal security forces, Major General Hassan Shukair as director general of general security, and Brig. Gen. Edgar Lawandos as director general of the state security agency.

He stated that the appointments in the army and security forces were based on experience and competence, and they are working in the Cabinet with precision, ensuring adherence to standards and qualifications.