President Aoun Commits to Negotiations with Israel Under US Mediation

President Joseph Aoun confirmed in the second part of an interview with CNN's chief correspondent Christiane Amanpour at Baabda Palace last Friday that he is prepared to continue negotiations with Israel under American sponsorship, as he has no alternative. He stated, "I am trying to benefit from President Trump's personal desire to end this conflict. We rely on him and his team to create a breakthrough, which we achieved in the past two days through difficult negotiations that resulted in a significant breakthrough: a ceasefire in exchange for Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Litani."

He clarified that the current focus is on a non-aggression agreement or a security agreement, among other possibilities, adding, "Regarding a peace agreement, we are part of the Arab initiative presented in 2002, and we remain committed to it." He emphasized that it is not possible to move directly from the first point to the last but that several steps must be taken, with the intermediate step being the end of hostility between Lebanon and Israel.

President Aoun explained that, according to the constitution and Article 52, negotiations are confined to the president. However, he stressed that he conducts them in close consultation with the prime minister and the speaker of parliament, affirming, "We are united in ending the war."

Addressing the Lebanese people, he acknowledged their fatigue and faith in the country, stating they deserve to live in safety, stability, and security, in a nation free of war and corruption, and prosperous. He affirmed his duty and commitment to achieving this.

Negotiations and Security Agreements with Israel

Responding to a question about Israel's failure to achieve its objectives amid Hezbollah's change in military strategy and his willingness to continue US-mediated negotiations, President Aoun said he has no other option. He is attempting to leverage US President Donald Trump's personal interest in ending the conflict, relying on Trump and his team to create a breakthrough. This was realized earlier this month after tough negotiations that led to a ceasefire in exchange for Hezbollah's withdrawal from southern Litani. He emphasized the need to continue efforts to find a settlement by all available means or to end the conflict, which serves the interests of both parties.

The president stressed that the current proposal involves a non-aggression or security agreement or another form of accord, with the goal of permanently ending hostility between Lebanon and Israel. He noted that this could serve as a prelude to a just and comprehensive peace. Lebanon remains part of the 2002 Arab peace initiative and is committed to it. However, he reiterated that it is impossible to jump directly from the first to the last point without passing through several stages, with the intermediate step being the cessation of hostility between the two countries.

On Meeting Netanyahu and Hezbollah's Role

President Aoun stated that he cannot meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at this time. Regarding Hezbollah's disarmament amid its desire to continue fighting, he described Hezbollah as a reaction to the 1982 Israeli invasion. He said the war should have ended in 2000 after the weapons served their purpose by liberating the country, but since then, Hezbollah has made major strategic errors.

He explained that his strategy is fundamentally based on eliminating the root causes for Hezbollah's arms by ending the conflict and strengthening state institutions, including security agencies, the Lebanese Armed Forces, and other government bodies. He emphasized engaging Hezbollah in dialogue and offering options, assuring that the state is ready to protect the country and all its people.

The president underscored that Hezbollah supporters are Lebanese entitled to live with dignity under state protection. Should they refuse to disarm or negotiate with the government, they will bear responsibility before their people, who will distance themselves from them.

Military Preparedness and Institutional Strengthening

Regarding fears of internal military confrontation with Hezbollah, President Aoun mentioned a military concept focused on "preparing the battlefield," which does not mean deploying tanks and artillery but creating the conditions and addressing the root causes of armed presence. He said progress depends on this approach, which involves many efforts, with combat operations constituting only 10 percent, while the rest relates to social, political, and economic matters.

He recalled that in 1975, after the collapse of the Lebanese Army, government institutions fragmented and local Christian and Muslim militias emerged, with people turning to them for security, food, and basic needs. He stated that now it is time for the government to replace these militias.

The president called for strengthening government institutions, whether security, military, or others, and for eliminating the root causes of armed groups, warning that failure to do so would be catastrophic and goals would not be achieved.

Assessing Iran and Hezbollah's Strength

On the power of Iran and Hezbollah after the recent war, President Aoun said their strength cannot be measured solely by capabilities but also by their presence. Even a single individual remaining is significant to them. He cited historical examples where conventional forces engaged in asymmetrical wars failed to achieve objectives, resulting in costly attrition battles. The issue involves presence, ideology, and will, which sanctify their actions.

He noted that Iranians are known for weaving carpets, a time-consuming craft that reflects their diplomatic and strategic patience.

Personal Military Experience and Presidential Role

Reflecting on his long military career, President Aoun said he served in the army for 42 years, including eight years as commander, was wounded twice, and still has shrapnel in his body. Having endured the horrors of war, he prefers negotiations over conflict because he does not want his children or Lebanese citizens to suffer as he did.

Regarding his presidential powers and role, he said he swore to protect the country and preserve its territorial sovereignty. His duty is to work closely with the prime minister and the speaker of parliament. He stated, "We work harmoniously and coordinate in detail on the issues we address, but negotiations are constitutionally confined to the president under Article 52. I conduct them in close consultation with the prime minister and speaker," reaffirming their unity in ending the war.

Speaker Nabih Berri's Influence and Internal Dynamics

On Speaker Nabih Berri's ability to persuade Hezbollah, President Aoun described Berri as having spent 40 years trying to develop southern Lebanon. He called him a statesman who seeks to end the war by peaceful means. As parliament speaker and the sole Shia representative in that position, Berri plays a sensitive and essential role. He is actively working to convince Hezbollah to disarm for the benefit of the Shia community and the country. However, caution is necessary to avoid military confrontation with Hezbollah and to manage the delicate situation within the Shia sect.

On Federalism and National Unity

Responding to calls for federalism and division, President Aoun stressed that the state's duty is to unify the country, stating, "This is Lebanon's history, and history and Lebanon cannot be changed."

Message to Israelis and Call for Dialogue

Addressing Israelis watching the program, President Aoun asked, "Do you really want to live in an endless war? Haven't you grown weary of war since 1948? Do you truly want to live in peace? Then let us sit and talk." He urged the Israeli government to let reason prevail over force, emphasizing that military solutions will not provide security for northern residents. He called on them to show commitment and willingness to end the war for the sake of peoples on both sides of the border. "We are ready, committed, and willing; are you? If so, let us sit and talk. If not, we will not live in security and safety."

Relations with Iran and Lebanese Sovereignty

Regarding his message to Iran, President Aoun said Lebanon seeks good relations based on mutual respect and non-interference. He reminded that Lebanon is a sovereign country with a sovereign government and welcomed dialogue without intervention. He acknowledged that Lebanon's interests may not align with Iran's and noted that the Lebanese people pay the price, with homes destroyed, serving Iran's interests rather than Lebanon's. He stated it is time to recognize this reality and asserted that Iran has no right to interfere in Lebanon's internal affairs. He mentioned that other countries try to assist Lebanon, but Iran does not; instead, it attempts to destroy the country for its own interests.

Commitment to Lebanese Stability and Trump's Role

To the Lebanese, President Aoun acknowledged their fatigue and faith in the country, affirming their right to live in safety, stability, and security, in a nation free of war and corruption. He declared his commitment to achieving this and expressed confidence in the Lebanese people's determination, creativity, and perseverance to restore Lebanon's greatness.

Regarding President Trump's potential assistance, Aoun said the American president is committed, and his personal calls and interventions demonstrate his desire to end the situation. Trump is concerned about regional stability and understands Lebanon's importance to it. The president said developments and any agreement between the US and Iran will affect the region positively or negatively. He expressed hope that the war will end soon, as its repercussions will impact regional security.

He described Trump's actions as requiring courage and wisdom to end the war through negotiations, which Trump is currently pursuing. Aoun emphasized reliance on Trump to end the conflict promptly so the entire region can enjoy stability and security.

Ceasefire and Model Areas Proposal

Confirming efforts to establish a ceasefire with Israel, President Aoun revealed that the idea of model areas was proposed during Christmas when Lebanese presence in meetings held in Naqoura was enhanced by adding a civilian, Ambassador Simon Karam. The proposal involves handing over an area to the Lebanese army to control, serving as a pilot zone before moving to others and starting reconstruction.

He personally suggested starting with the historic Qalaat al-Shaqif area, which is very close to Nabatieh, a predominantly Shia region. The plan is for Israeli forces to withdraw from there, with the Lebanese army deploying and taking control, provided a ceasefire is secured. He stressed that Lebanese soldiers cannot be sent into combat zones, as their lives would be at risk.

War Strategy and Hezbollah's Arms

In the first part of the interview broadcast last Friday evening, President Aoun emphasized that negotiations are the only way to end the conflict between Lebanon and Israel. He urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Israelis, and Hezbollah to realize they are engaged in a futile war with a short-sighted strategy that yields opposite results.

He stressed that Hezbollah can only be dealt with domestically, which is the state's and government's duty, but on one condition: removing the root causes of its arms, namely Israeli withdrawal and ending the conflict.

President Aoun firmly rejected the Iranian Revolutionary Guard's statement, which significantly influences Hezbollah, regarding disapproval of the agreement and recent developments. He noted that they use Lebanon as a bargaining chip in negotiations with the United States.

He highlighted the desire to live in peace and said that Lebanese people "deserve not to see their homes destroyed every five or ten years. They are tired and rely on me, and it is my duty toward my people. They are the Lebanese people, not the people of Naim Qassem."