Lebanon should seize its best chance for peace with Israel in decades

Lebanon's president, Joseph Aoun, declared his country's ultimate objective is to end the state of hostility with Israel, speaking alongside U.S. President Donald Trump at the White House. This marks the first White House visit by a Lebanese president since 2009. Aoun's statement capped a months-long process of publicly calling for direct negotiations with Israel. The two nations signed a U.S.-brokered framework for "lasting peace and security" on June 26, which Aoun described as historic. Many Israelis have yet to fully recognize this shift, largely enabled by the decline of Hezbollah. The group has lost its leader, significant military strength, revenue, political influence, and strategic depth in Syria. The shift in power dynamics contributed to Aoun's election in January 2025, ending a two-year presidential vacancy caused by Hezbollah's obstruction. His election demonstrated that Hezbollah could no longer dictate presidential choices. Aoun, who cultivated ties with the U.S. and European governments during his tenure as commander of the Lebanese Armed Forces, now leads a state heavily reliant on these international partners. Despite the optimism, Aoun remains cautious. The history of political assassinations in Lebanon, such as the 2005 killing of Rafic Hariri, highlights the risks for leaders challenging powerful groups like Hezbollah. This context explains Aoun's refusal to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his measured approach to confronting Hezbollah, aiming to reduce its dominance without provoking an uncontrolled conflict. While Hezbollah retains some ability to intimidate Lebanese institutions, its effectiveness has diminished. Aoun must also navigate the delicate balance of avoiding subordination to either Iranian or Israeli dictates. Nevertheless, Aoun has taken unprecedented steps for a Lebanese president in recent decades. He has opposed Hezbollah and Iranian interference, supported dialogue with Israel, and begun implementing these positions. Although the Lebanese Armed Forces remain limited, they are operating more effectively under his leadership.

“

his country’s ultimate objective is to end the state of hostility with Israel once and for all.