Meeting between President Joseph Aoun (R) and Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in the Baabda Palace on April 13, 2026. (Credit: Lebanese Presidency on X)
BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun said Monday that Lebanon hopes a ceasefire agreement can be reached during upcoming talks in Washington between Lebanese, U.S., and Israeli representatives, on the eve of what would be the first direct contacts between Lebanon and Israel since 1983.
Receiving Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Baabda, Aoun said “there is a current opportunity for a lasting solution,” stressing that it “cannot be one-sided.” He urged Israel to respond to Lebanese, Arab, and international calls to stop its attacks and enter negotiations, noting that successive Israeli wars against Lebanon have not achieved their objectives.
Aoun added that negotiations are being conducted exclusively by the Lebanese state, “because this is a matter of sovereignty in which Lebanon has no partner.”
He said Israeli destruction of homes and agricultural land in southern Lebanon is preventing displaced residents from returning, creating a difficult social situation that the government is trying to address, with support from friendly countries, including Italy.
Aoun also said Lebanon has taken a series of security measures at Beirut’s Rafik Hariri International Airport and at land and maritime border crossings to prevent arms smuggling and illicit financial flows, adding that the army and other security forces are enforcing laws to maintain stability.
For his part, Tajani said Italy is ready to host possible negotiations between Lebanon and Israel and stressed the importance that talks lead to a ceasefire. He described dialogue as “a very positive step” and expressed hope that civilian suffering in Lebanon would end as soon as possible.
The Italian minister reaffirmed Italy’s support for Lebanese institutions, especially the presidency, and its commitment to strengthening the Lebanese army through its bilateral military mission. He also condemned Hezbollah’s attacks against Israel, saying they hinder the peace process.
At the same time, Tajani called on Israel to halt strikes against Lebanese civilians and against the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon), after the mission reported a series of recent incidents involving Israeli forces, including collisions with U.N. vehicles, warning shots, and repeated restrictions on patrol movements.
