Lebanese President Refuses to Back Down from Negotiations with Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared on Friday that he will not reverse his decision to continue negotiations with Israel, according to a statement from the presidency. Aoun made the remarks during a meeting at the Baabda Palace in eastern Beirut with a delegation from the Lebanese Forces parliamentary bloc, headed by party leader Samir Geagea. “Why should the Lebanese people continue to pay the price for a war launched at the behest of external actors and for their interests?” Aoun questioned. He emphasised, “I assure you that I will not back down from the decision to negotiate that I have taken.” Aoun added that he had clarified to all parties that his position includes explaining to the Lebanese people the importance of the path being taken and Lebanon’s commitment to its sovereignty at every step. The president stated that criticism of the direct negotiations with Israel “does not merit a response,” noting that Lebanon has engaged in direct talks with Israel multiple times, beginning in 1949. He argued that the proposed framework agreement would restore Lebanese rights “through diplomatic channels” if Israel adheres to its terms and the agreement is successfully implemented. “All the criticism targeting this path stems from a desire to return the Lebanese issue to being a card in Iran’s hand,” he added. The negotiation track has drawn criticism from Hezbollah and other Lebanese political forces, who argue that the proposed framework agreement primarily serves Israeli interests and that any negotiations with Israel should remain indirect. Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said on Wednesday that the agreement is “entirely in Israel’s interest” and urged Aoun to adopt indirect negotiations. On Tuesday, Druze leader Walid Jumblatt described the framework agreement as a “unilateral agreement imposed by Israel,” adding that peace with Israel is “impossible.” Lebanon and Israel signed a US-sponsored framework agreement on 26 June, which stipulates a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territory, beginning with two unspecified pilot zones. Despite the agreement, Israeli forces have continued violations, carrying out a series of house demolitions in the southern town of Khiam and detonating explosives in the nearby town of Taybeh, according to Lebanese media. Since 2 March, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have killed more than 4,300 people and wounded over 12,000, according to official figures. Israeli forces continue to occupy territory in southern Lebanon, some of which has been held for decades and other areas seized during the 2023-2024 war. During the latest offensive, Israeli troops advanced more than 10 kilometres into Lebanese territory.