Kataeb MP Salim Sayegh has criticized the Lebanese government for violating constitutional norms by engaging in negotiations in the absence of a president—a position that has remained vacant for two years.

"Lebanon is not an active party in the ongoing negotiations," Sayegh told Al-Hurra. "It is merely acting as a mediator between the real stakeholders—Hezbollah and Iran on one side, and Israel on the other."

Sayegh described the process as involving "double mediation," explaining that "the Americans are mediating between the Lebanese intermediary, Hezbollah, Iran, and Israel."

This arrangement, according to Sayegh, is both unconstitutional and illegal, stressing that a president must first be elected to take charge.

"Legally, Speaker Nabih Berri and Prime Minister Najib Mikati cannot bind Lebanon or make commitments on behalf of Hezbollah and Iran."

He also warned that Hezbollah could disavow any agreements reached, pointing to past instances where the group had distanced itself from deals negotiated on its behalf.

Lebanon’s constitution stipulates that the president should oversee critical national decisions, but the prolonged presidential vacuum has paralyzed key state functions, exacerbating tensions within the country’s deeply divided political landscape.

As the negotiations continue, political rifts threaten to undermine Lebanon's ability to present a unified stance. 

"The absence of a functioning presidency and the sidelining of parliament only deepen the crisis," Sayegh said. "This approach not only weakens Lebanon’s position but also risks further embedding external influences in our domestic affairs."