President Joseph Aoun’s office has updated the government’s position on the war in Lebanon and future negotiations with Israel.
– “We informed the American side conducting the efforts – appreciated – and from the very first moment, that a ceasefire is a necessary first step for any subsequent negotiations” with Israel, he said, adding that this had been clearly stated by the US State Department,” he posted on X.
– Aoun quoted the US statement: “Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian and military targets and other state targets in Lebanese territory by land, sea, and air.”
– He said that this is Lebanon’s official position, and that any body within Lebanon that issues statements counter to it holds no authority – an apparent jab at Hezbollah, which has rejected direct negotiations with Israel.
– A short while ago, Hezbollah’s leader called for a return to indirect negotiations with Israel and said that his group will continue to fight back against Israeli “aggression” in southern Lebanon.
– “What we are doing is not treason; rather, treason is committed by those who take their country to war to achieve foreign interests,” Aoun continued, accusing Hezbollah of being an Iranian proxy.
https://aje.news/ogpzb9?update=4525822