Lebanon's President to Asharq Al-Awsat: We Chose Negotiation to Limit the Occupation and the Suffering of Southerners

Lebanon's President General Joseph Aoun is looking to the United States for crucial support in navigating the escalating military tensions and the ongoing Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon. He described the situation as a "catastrophe," marked by destruction, displacement, and internal division over how to resolve the crisis. With limited options, Lebanon is placing its hopes on American assistance, particularly following an upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump at the White House on July 21.

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First, we want Lebanon to remain on the American agenda ... There is no need to reiterate the importance of having a good relationship with the US and benefiting from President Donald Trump's expressed desire to help us; his role is vital, and we are counting on it.

During an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, President Aoun outlined his priorities for the meeting. He stressed the importance of maintaining Lebanon's position on the U.S. agenda and leveraging President Trump's willingness to help. Aoun stated that the U.S. is uniquely positioned to exert pressure on the Israeli government, urging it to cease targeting southern Beirut's suburbs and infrastructure, and to halt the expansion of occupied areas in southern Lebanon. He asserted that Lebanon will not concede any territory or citizens, viewing national sovereignty as a non-negotiable principle.

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We face an extremely difficult and complex situation. We know well that the US is the only party capable of exerting pressure on the Israeli government to prevent it from targeting the southern suburbs (of Beirut), infrastructure, or expanding occupied areas in southern Lebanon. No other party can fulfill this role.

Aoun is requesting U.S. backing to restore all Lebanese land and ensure it falls under the sole authority of the Lebanese army and legitimate institutions. He expressed concern that southern Lebanon's fate is being dictated by regional developments, causing significant loss of life and property. The President emphasized that Lebanon's security, economy, and stability are intrinsically linked to the well-being of its southern region.

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We want the US administration to help us restore our entire land. We will not relinquish a single inch or a single citizen. The issue of our sovereignty is not subject to concession or interpretation. It is at the forefront of the national principles that we are keen to adhere to. We want the land to be returned and to be under the sole authority of the Lebanese army, meaning under the authority of legitimate Lebanese institutions.

Ahead of the White House meeting, Aoun intends to inform President Trump about the reality on the ground in southern Lebanon and the dangers of the current situation or potential escalation. He also hopes for American support for the Lebanese army, which faces challenging missions, and for the country's reconstruction efforts.

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Lebanon's fate cannot be separated from the fate of its south, neither in security, nor in economy, nor in stability.