Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has emphasized the critical need for dialogue and negotiation over conflict with Israel. His remarks follow the initial round of talks held on Wednesday in Naqoura, southern Lebanon, which he believes has paved the way for future discussions.
Speaking at a government session on Thursday, President Aoun reiterated that Lebanon would not compromise on its sovereignty in reaching any agreement with Israel. He stated that the current efforts are aimed at averting the “specter of a second war” with its neighbor.
The talks, attended by Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives alongside an American envoy, mark the first direct engagement between the two nations in decades. These discussions are part of ongoing attempts to de-escalate tensions, particularly in southern Lebanon.
President Aoun highlighted the appointment of Ambassador Simon Karam to head the Lebanese delegation to the ceasefire monitoring committee, a move he believes will facilitate future sessions scheduled to commence on the 19th of this month. He noted that this appointment followed consultations with the heads of parliament and government, underscoring the importance of engaging in negotiations and including a civilian representative in the committee.
According to a statement released by the Lebanese Presidency, President Aoun acknowledged that the initial session was not expected to yield immediate, substantial results. Karam and Yuri Resnick, Director of Foreign Policy at the Israeli National Security Council, joined the committee meeting on Wednesday, along with US envoy Morgan Ortagus. The United States and France, both participants in the ceasefire monitoring committee, welcomed this development.
While Lebanon seeks peaceful resolutions, the path forward remains complex. Achieving lasting stability and preventing further conflict will require sustained commitment to dialogue and a willingness to address the underlying issues that fuel tensions between the two countries. The focus remains on ensuring Lebanon’s security and sovereignty while pursuing a peaceful resolution to the ongoing challenges.
DZWatch will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
