President Aoun Affirms Commitment to Negotiations with Israel Amid Progress

President Joseph Aoun stated that criticisms regarding direct negotiations with Israel do not warrant a response, noting that Lebanon has engaged in direct talks with Israel multiple times, beginning in 1949.

Speaking to a delegation from the "Powerful Republic" bloc, led by Samir Jaafar, at the Baabda Presidential Palace, President Aoun affirmed, "I confirm that I will not retract the decision to negotiate, while insisting that all my positions include clarifications to the Lebanese people about the importance of the path we are following and Lebanon's insistence on its sovereignty in every step we take." He added, "I have made a difficult choice, and the path is not smooth due to power balances, Israeli calculations, the Iranian-American situation, and other complexities. This choice affirms the Lebanese state's sovereignty and its right to negotiate on its own behalf, freeing it from the consequences of the war imposed on it."

He questioned, "Why should the Lebanese people continue to pay the price for wars ignited at the behest of external parties and for their interests? The framework formula will restore Lebanon's rights through diplomatic means, provided Israel adheres to its provisions and their successful implementation." He emphasized, "Today, we have an opportunity to regain the gains lost through a reckless war, especially given the current American momentum focused on Lebanon and the United States' ability to pressure Israel to remove obstacles."

President Aoun concluded by clarifying, "Matters are gradually progressing, and all criticisms targeting this path stem from a desire to turn the Lebanese issue into a card in Iran's hands."