The caretaker head of government, Najib Mikati (c), chairs a meeting of his ministerial team at the Grand Serail, December 5, 2022. (Illustration by Dalati & Nohra)
BEIRUT — Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati announced in a statement on Friday that he intends to convene his cabinet to discuss 16 items on the agenda, this coming Tuesday, Nov. 14.
Lebanon has been without a president since the end of Michel Aoun's term of office over a year ago, while the cabinet remains solely responsible for current affairs.
However, Mikati's cabinet has met several times during this year to deal with issues, some of which were considered not urgent.
Gebran Bassil's Free Patriotic Movement opposed these meetings, and his party's ministers boycotted them.
Lebanon has been embroiled in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas since Oct. 7.
Southern Lebanon remains the scene of daily bombardments between Hezbollah and Israel, which has resulted in the death of over 80 militants and civilians.
The 16 items on the agenda do not appear to be urgent, except for the one concerning a request from the Ministry of Telecoms for approval to subscribe to satellite internet service from Starlink, owned by billionaire Elon Musk, to ensure continuous coverage in the event of widespread conflict between Lebanon and Israel.
Another point that seems urgent relates to a request from the Ministry of Health to revise the subsidy mechanism for cancer drugs.
The cabinet last met on Oct. 20 to discuss a 231-page plan detailing the measures the Lebanese authorities plan to take in the event of a conflict with Israel.