Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Tuesday that progress has been made in negotiations with Israel and that the diplomatic path is preferable to war, according to a report by Yedioth Ahronoth. Aoun noted that since the signing of the framework agreement, the scale of Israeli strikes has decreased, allowing Lebanese to return to enjoying their country. He reiterated that Lebanon will not cede any territory but added that the slogan 'what was taken by force will only be returned by force' has proven incorrect.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday described progress in negotiations with Israel and reiterated his preference for a diplomatic resolution over continued hostilities. The remarks, reported by Yedioth Ahronoth, come as the framework agreement signed in late June between Israel and Lebanon enters its implementation phase.
Aoun stated that since the signing of that agreement, the frequency of Israeli strikes has declined, allowing residents of southern Lebanon to return to a semblance of normal life. He stressed that Lebanon will not compromise on its territorial integrity but acknowledged that the longstanding Hezbollah slogan 'what was taken by force will only be returned by force' has been proven unrealistic. The president said his goal remains the reconstruction of the country and a peaceful future for southern Lebanese civilians.
The statement reflects the delicate balance Aoun must maintain between domestic pressure — including criticism from Hezbollah and its allies — and the diplomatic process with Israel, which is backed by the United States. As The Zioneer has reported, President Trump assured Aoun in a recent phone call that Washington would provide everything needed for the agreement's implementation. The framework includes an eventual phased IDF withdrawal from southern Lebanon, conditional on the Lebanese Armed Forces taking control and preventing Hezbollah from reasserting a military presence near the border.
3 developments
- DevelopingLebanese President Aoun tells Al-Nahar: military contacts with Israel advanced significantly, test area in Nabatieh
- DevelopingLebanese President Aoun: No compromise except full Israeli withdrawal
- StrongLebanese President Aoun Conditions Talks with Israel on IDF Withdrawal from Southern Lebanon
- StrongLebanese President Aoun insists no settlement will be made at Lebanon's expense
Source and signal
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