Lebanon Deputy PM cites talks to avoid long war

Lebanese Deputy Prime Minister Elias Mitri has publicly explained the government's decision to engage in negotiations with Israel. Speaking to Al-Hadath, Mitri stated that Lebanon 'resorted to negotiations with Israel in order to avoid a long war.' This statement provides a rare, high-level admission of the diplomatic calculus behind the ongoing talks, framing them as a strategic choice for de-escalation. The comment comes amid continued Israeli military strikes and warnings against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.