GENERAL
On 26th June, Lebanon, Israel, and the United States signed a U.S.-mediated framework agreement in Washington aimed at advancing a phased process toward ending hostilities and restoring stability along the Lebanese-Israeli border. Described by all parties as an initial step rather than a final peace agreement, the framework provides for a gradual transfer of security responsibilities to the Lebanese Armed Forces in designated areas of southern Lebanon, mechanisms for future Israeli withdrawal linked to security conditions, and the establishment of a trilateral coordination mechanism to oversee implementation.
Protesters have taken to the streets of Beirut, expressing anger over the US-brokered Israel-Lebanon framework agreement that does not force Israeli troops to withdraw from occupied land after months of deadly attacks https://t.co/tvPowBZ4l3 https://t.co/nFilbNfyor
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) June 28, 2026
Peaceful Assembly
Following the signing of the U.S.-brokered Lebanon–Israel framework agreement, protests were reported in Beirut and several other areas of Lebanon between 26th and 27th June 2026. Demonstrations began shortly after the announcement and were led mainly by Hezbollah supporters and allied groups rejecting the agreement. In Beirut’s southern suburbs and other districts, protesters carried out motorcycle convoys, road blockages, and street gatherings, including blocking key routes such as access roads toward the airport. The demonstrators expressed opposition to the agreement, which they viewed as externally imposed and politically sensitive given its security implications.
Expression
Developments during the reporting period also raised concerns regarding the criminalisation of journalistic work. On 9th June 2026, the Mount Lebanon Press Court issued a decision sentencing journalist Rami Naim to three months in prison with a fine for defamation and slander. The case was in relation to a 2024 incident where when Naim accused two lawyers - Maya Geara Bardawil and Arlette Bejjani - of "depriving clients of their rights" in cases against banks and insulted them.
This decision was particularly surprising because press courts have often imposed fines rather than imprisonment.
Similarly, security measures targeting journalists continued to contribute to a restrictive environment for freedom of expression. On 20th July 2026, journalist Hassan Alik was summoned by the Information Branch of the Internal Security Forces at the direction of the Public Prosecutor of Cassation, following a tweet expressing solidarity with Yemen against Saudi Arabia.
These developments formed part of a broader pattern of scrutiny directed at individuals expressing political opinions. Concerns over restrictions on freedom of expression in Lebanon continued following the questioning of individuals over their political opinions. On 7th July 2026, journalist Sawsan Mhanna and academic Dr. Zeina Mansour were questioned by Lebanese security agencies over views they had expressed publicly. Mhanna was summoned following a complaint regarding an X post criticising Hezbollah's alleged role in infrastructure damage in Beirut's southern suburbs, while Mansour linked her interrogation to her public advocacy for federalism, peace with Israel, political reform, and criticism of the political establishment.