Aoun justifies the option of negotiations amid ongoing Israeli violations

President Joseph Aoun responds to accusations at a time when daily Israeli violations of Lebanese sovereignty continue, alongside persistent border breaches and the state’s inability to regain occupied territories, achieve progress on the detainee file, or halt ongoing field violations.

During a meeting with a delegation from Hasbaya and the Arqoub, Aoun stressed that a ceasefire represents an essential first step toward any subsequent negotiation process, noting that this is the official position of the Lebanese state and that any positions outside this framework do not represent the state nor enjoy official endorsement.

In a direct response to criticism, Aoun said: “Some accuse us of deciding to go into negotiations on the grounds that there is no national consensus. I ask: did you have consensus when you went to war?” He called for refraining from accusations of treason or surrender before negotiations even begin.

He also argued that continuing to impose the burden of regional conflicts fought on Lebanese soil—amid ongoing Israeli violations and border breaches—is no longer acceptable, stressing that true wrongdoing lies in dragging the country into wars serving external agendas.

He concluded by affirming that his goal is to end the state of war with Israel through a negotiated process, while violations and daily breaches on the ground continue unabated.