Joseph Aoun: Lebanon is Seeking a Security Agreement with Israel

Joseph Aoun, the President of Lebanon, announced in an interview published today, Wednesday, that Lebanon is seeking to achieve a security agreement with Israel. He stated that the aim of this agreement is to end the state of "hostility" between the two parties and to prevent the occurrence of a new war.

Security Agreement and Next Steps

Aoun emphasized: "We are primarily seeking a security agreement to end the state of hostility and to deploy the army at the borders. This agreement could be a precursor to a peace agreement in the future, but we cannot jump directly to a peace agreement; rather, we must proceed step by step."

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The President of Lebanon also stressed the government's determination to continue implementing the decision regarding the monopoly of weapons in the hands of the state. He stated: "The fundamental step is the withdrawal of Israel, the deployment of the [Lebanese] army at the borders, and the return of residents and prisoners."

Negotiation to Resolve the Arms Issue

Aoun, defending direct negotiations with Israel, which have faced strong opposition from Hezbollah, stated that the Lebanese government has turned to the option of negotiation because it is the "least costly way." He warned that retreating from negotiations would mean war, and the cost would be heavy for Lebanon.

Furthermore, Aoun referenced the issue of Hezbollah's weapons and said: "The goal is not conflict; the goal is to assert the sovereignty of the state and the responsible monopoly of arms. We are determined to peacefully resolve this issue and not lead the country towards strife or civil war."

Aoun also clearly stated his position in discussions with Iranian officials, calling for mutual respect and non-interference in Lebanon's internal affairs.

The President of Lebanon will participate tomorrow, Thursday, in an international conference to garner support for the Lebanese army, alongside Emmanuel Macron, the President of France, and Abdullah II, the King of Jordan. He emphasized that Lebanon needs a long-term timeline and a comprehensive plan to strengthen the state and the army.

In conclusion, Aoun stated that Lebanon does not want to create any "vacuum" after the end of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission in southern Lebanon, and any force that enters must have a legal framework.

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