The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, upon his arrival at Parliament on Jan. 9, 2025. (Credit: Mohammad Yassine/Archive Photo L’OLJ)
BEIRUT — President Joseph Aoun on Sunday defended his stance in favor of ending the war with Israel, including the signing of the framework agreement in Washington on June 26.
"I'm not in favor of Israel, but propose another solution, whatever it may be, and I will implement it," he said, addressing those who oppose the deal, notably Hezbollah and the Amal Movement.
"Some criticize me over this framework agreement. I could simply stay in Baabda Palace without worrying about any agreement, but should I let my people die? Should I stand by and watch these wars, the support they receive, and all this destruction and devastation?" Aoun said, stressing that it was not a "final agreement."
"To those who oppose this agreement, I am open to any solution or arrangement that allows us to get out of this war," he added.
Aoun also insisted that Lebanon "will never accept the continued presence of Israeli troops on its territory," while calling for dialogue to be given a chance. "Let's try to achieve a result, and then we can act accordingly. But I will not accept opposition without any alternative being proposed while the wars continue," he said.
Lebanon and Israel signed a framework agreement aimed at ending the war between Hezbollah and Israel, which continues to occupy a "buffer zone" of more than 600 square kilometers in southern Lebanon, extending up to 10 kilometers deep. The agreement also provides for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. The deal has been welcomed by Hezbollah's opponents, while the Shiite duo has called for following the Iran-U.S. negotiations in Islamabad.
"The situation today is different from that of May 17, 1983," Aoun said, referring to the stillborn May 17, 1983 agreement signed between the Lebanese and Israeli governments during Lebanon's civil war and Israel's invasion of the country.
The president also recounted meeting a woman from Nabatieh during a visit to Our Lady of Harissa. She told him her home had been completely destroyed. "We do not want war, we want peace," she told him. "I will work for all Lebanese, and I cherish them all. I will make no distinction between Lebanese," Aoun said.
Army is the guarantor of civil peace
Asked about the Lebanese Army, Aoun stressed its unity and said no one could count on dividing it. He said the army was carrying out its missions of combating drug trafficking, maintaining security in southern Lebanon and Beirut, and preserving stability despite difficult circumstances.
"No one can bet on the army's division. The army belongs to all Lebanese; it provides security and stability, and it will continue to do so," he said. "No one can revive the civil war. The Lebanese Army is the guarantor of civil peace."
Regarding his planned visit to the United States, Aoun said it was still on schedule but that he was waiting to meet U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa to discuss the details of the trip to Washington.
According to the Israeli newspaper Maariv, U.S. President Donald Trump may seek during his next meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to promote a visit by the Lebanese president and a trilateral meeting.
The White House hopes to tie its talks with Netanyahu to a broader regional initiative involving Lebanon, Iran and possible arrangements along Israel's northern border, the newspaper reported.
Aoun also praised Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri's role in preventing conflict and reaffirmed his support for those efforts. He further commended the Lebanese diplomatic and security delegations for their performance during the Washington negotiations, describing it as "excellent" and highlighting their "firmness in the face of the Israeli negotiators."
