Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told journalists Sunday that he is not personally fond of Israel but challenged opponents of the framework agreement to propose a viable alternative, according to the broadcaster Al-Jadeed. He said the circumstances today differ from the era of the May 17 agreement, and noted that all parties had contacted him to congratulate him on the steps taken.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made his most personal remarks yet on the framework agreement with Israel, acknowledging in a meeting with journalists that he harbors no affection for Israel while doubling down on the pragmatic case for the deal. "I am telling you that I am not in love with Israel, but give me another solution, whatever it may be," Aoun said, according to Al-Jadeed television.
Addressing domestic opponents who demand the agreement's cancellation, Aoun argued that the current circumstances differ fundamentally from the May 17, 1983 Lebanon-Israel accord, which collapsed after a few months. He noted that all parties — a reference to regional and international actors — contacted him to congratulate him on the steps taken so far, implying broad tacit support.
The president's framing mirrors his previous statements over recent weeks, in which he insisted Lebanon is conducting its own independent policy and will not be dictated to by external powers. As The Zioneer reported on July 3, Aoun said Lebanon's separation of its issue from US-Iran talks is "a problem for those who got used to being under a guardianship."
Aoun did not specify which alternative proposals he has received or expects. The remarks come amid persistent opposition from Hezbollah and allied factions, who view the framework as a capitulation to Israeli and American demands. No further details on the content or timing of any alternative proposal were provided by Aoun or the Al-Jadeed report.
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Source and signal
- Internal intake