Lebanon President says new agreement "more sustainable" than 2024 deal, awaits final guarantees

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said that the agreement reached in ongoing negotiations differs significantly from the ceasefire arrangement of October 27, 2024, stressing that the new understanding is designed to be more sustainable and that Lebanon is counting on the role of the United States as a guarantor.

In a briefing with journalists, Aoun said the negotiations were “difficult and complex,” noting that the head of Lebanon’s delegation, Simon Karam, at one point suspended participation following what he described as Israeli intransigence. According to Aoun, the situation required direct intervention by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to help resume the talks.

Aoun described the agreement reached as a “last opportunity,” warning that otherwise each party would have to assume responsibility for the consequences.

He said Lebanon is currently awaiting responses from all concerned parties, along with the provision of necessary guarantees to ensure implementation. The U.S. sponsor, he added, will determine the timing and mechanism for enforcement.

According to the president, implementation could begin within 24 hours once all parties approve the deal and provide the required assurances.

Aoun also revealed that Lebanon had proposed a pilot implementation phase covering the areas of Zawtar El Charqiyeh, Zawtar El Gharbiyeh, and the Beaufort Castle region in South Lebanon.

He reiterated that the current agreement differs from the 2024 arrangement, again highlighting its intended durability and Lebanon’s reliance on the role of U.S. President Donald Trump and his administration.

Aoun concluded by emphasizing that Lebanon is dependent on the U.S. sponsor, which he said has demonstrated a firm and decisive stance throughout the negotiations.