Lebanon Upholds Sovereignty in Negotiations with Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Monday that the government’s decision to negotiate with Israel does not signify concession or surrender, but rather the defence of the nation’s exclusive rights to sovereignty. ‘The path to full Israeli troop withdrawal remains a firm national demand that no one will ever abandon. The Lebanese government is striving to achieve this through negotiations, not as a compromise or surrender, but as a reaffirmation of Lebanon’s exclusive right to defend its territory and sovereignty,’ Aoun said during the commemoration of the 2000 liberation of South Lebanon, according to the presidential office’s press statement.

South Lebanon was occupied by Israel from 1978 following Operation Litani and reinforced after the 1982 invasion, establishing a ‘security zone’ with support from the South Lebanon Army. On 25 May 2000, Israeli forces withdrew, a date Lebanon celebrates as Resistance and Liberation Day.

Aoun emphasised that true loyalty to the memory of South Lebanon’s liberation lies in building a state that supports all citizens, with sovereignty as the responsibility of every Lebanese citizen.

Hezbollah launched rocket and drone attacks on Israel on 2 March amid the US-Israel conflict with Iran. In response, Israel conducted large-scale airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Beirut, southern and eastern Lebanon, and launched ground operations in the south.

Direct talks between Lebanon and Israel at ambassadorial level began in Washington on 16 April, after which US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire agreement. However, despite the formal accord, Israel continues daily attacks on dozens of southern Lebanese settlements and maintains control over shelling in border settlements, while Hezbollah carries out military operations against Israeli forces.