Lebanese president appeals to Israeli government to pursue talks, not war

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has made a rare, direct appeal to the Israeli government and its people, urging them to pursue negotiations to end the ongoing war. In a CNN interview, Aoun stated that a military solution would never provide Israel with lasting security. "We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you? If you are, let's sit and talk," he declared.

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We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you? If you are, let's sit and talk.

The Lebanese government is engaged in direct talks with Israel, with the United States mediating efforts to achieve a full cessation of hostilities. However, these efforts face opposition from Hezbollah, an armed group currently fighting Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. Aoun clarified that he would not meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu until an agreement to end the war is reached, describing any potential deal as a non-aggression pact rather than a full peace treaty.

"We need to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel. Forever. And this (pact) could be a path forward for a just and lasting peace," Aoun said. He also indicated that Lebanon would align with the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which proposes normalization with Israel in exchange for Palestinian statehood and Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, though he stressed that this would require several steps.

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We need to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel. Forever. And this (pact) could be a path forward for a just and lasting peace.

Aoun further criticized Iran's role in the conflict, stating that Lebanon's people are dying to serve Iran's interests. He accused Tehran of using Lebanon as a bargaining chip in its discussions with the United States, marking some of his strongest criticism yet of the Iranian government. The war, which erupted on March 2, has resulted in over 3,600 deaths in Lebanon and displaced more than one million people, with fighting continuing despite a declared ceasefire.

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will never provide you with security and safety