Aoun: A cease-fire is a 'natural gateway' to direct negotiations with Israel

BEIRUT — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Thursday that a cease-fire must serve as a “natural gateway” to direct negotiations with Israel, to be conducted “exclusively by the Lebanese authorities.” His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced Wednesday night that contacts had taken place during the day between “Lebanese and Israeli leaders,” while an Israeli minister referred to a possible upcoming call between Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Beirut said it had no knowledge of these claims.

During a meeting with British Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Nicholas Falconer, Aoun reiterated that a cease-fire as a precursor to talks is a key demand under the “presidential negotiation initiative,” according to remarks published on X by the presidency.

“The negotiations will be conducted exclusively by the Lebanese authorities, as this is a matter of sovereignty in which no other actor can be involved,” he stressed, as Iran said a day earlier it had pushed for a cease-fire that has yet to be approved by Israel.

“The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory is an essential step to consolidate the cease-fire, allow the redeployment of the Lebanese army up to the international border, strengthen state authority and put an end to any armed presence,” the president added, also calling for “an end to attacks on civilians and the destruction of homes in Lebanese villages.”

He further stressed that decisions taken by the government — particularly regarding the state’s monopoly on arms — “will be implemented in the interest of Lebanon and to ensure the protection of all Lebanese who want the state alone to guarantee the country’s security and stability.”

For his part, Falconer reiterated London’s support for a cease-fire and negotiations, and announced 20.5 million British pounds (around $28 million) in humanitarian aid to assist displaced populations.