Lebanon’s president says Beirut seeks end to war with Israel, not ‘humiliating’ deal

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said a ceasefire remains a necessary first step toward any future negotiations, stressing that this position has been clearly communicated to the United States since the outset.

Speaking before a delegation from Hasbaya and Arkoub, Aoun said Lebanon had informed the U.S., which he thanked for its mediation efforts, that halting hostilities is essential before moving to talks. 

He noted that this stance was reiterated during ambassador-level meetings and was reflected in a U.S. State Department statement following the first session, which included a clause that Israel would refrain from offensive military operations against Lebanese targets by land, sea, and air.

Aoun emphasized that this represents the official position of the Lebanese state, whether in Beirut or Washington, adding that any other claims do not carry official backing.

Addressing criticism over the decision to pursue negotiations, Aoun questioned whether those who supported wars had secured national consensus beforehand. He also rejected accusations that Lebanon was entering talks from a position of weakness, urging critics to wait for results before passing judgment.

The president said southern Lebanon has long paid the price for “wars of others,” including conflicts linked to Gaza and Iran, stressing that he would only support a war fought in Lebanon’s national interest.

“What we are doing is not treason,” Aoun said, adding that “treason is taking the country to war to serve external interests.”

He said his responsibility is to lead Lebanon toward a path out of crisis, with the goal of ending the state of war with Israel.