Rajji: We are continuing negotiations with Israel and have no other choice

BEIRUT — Foreign Minister Joe Rajji said Tuesday that Lebanon would continue negotiations with Israel, saying that the country had "no other choice," while he was "cautiously optimistic."

Rajji said the main significance of the framework agreement reached with Israel at the end of June under U.S. auspices lies in the fact that it enshrines "the independence of the Lebanese path from that of Iran," which backs Hezbollah, meaning that "Lebanese decision-making is now fully Lebanese."

He nevertheless denounced "the continued Iranian interference in Lebanese affairs, beyond the will of the Lebanese state and its sovereign decisions." Calling himself "cautiously optimistic," he added: "we are moving forward and we have no other choice but to negotiate," ahead of a new round of direct talks between Beirut and Tel Aviv scheduled in mid-July in Rome, following a series of discussions between the two countries' ambassadors in Washington.

The framework agreement also provides for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. Rajji, who is affiliated with the Christian Lebanese Forces (LF) party and is a staunch opponent of Hezbollah, reiterated that the agreement "is not final, but constitutes a basis for continuing negotiations on the outstanding issues."

He stressed the need to consolidate the cease-fire, ensure the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, secure the release of prisoners, and continue negotiations on the demarcation of the land border.

The minister also recalled the government’s commitment to ensuring that the state retains the monopoly on arms, "not to satisfy Israel, but because it is inconceivable for an armed group to continue to exist alongside the Lebanese Army." According to him, "such duality can lead only to destruction and devastation on all levels."

Rajji made the remarks while receiving Armenian Deputy Foreign Minister Vahan Kostanyan, who was visiting Beirut to deliver $150,000 in humanitarian aid from the Armenian government.

According to Lebanon's Foreign Ministry, Kostanyan said the donation "demonstrates Armenia's esteem for Lebanon and its people." He also reaffirmed "his country's constant support for Lebanon's sovereignty" and its desire to strengthen cooperation and coordination between the two countries across various fields.

Rajji, for his part, praised "the positive and constructive role Lebanese Armenians have always played in the country, as well as their contributions across many sectors."

He also reaffirmed "Lebanon's unwavering support for Armenia in its struggle for sovereignty, as well as for the resilience of the Armenian people and their fight for independence and freedom."