Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called for negotiations with Israel to resolve long-standing issues and avoid further war. His comments come after a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in Gaza, raising hopes for wider regional stability. Aoun said the time is right for dialogue, stressing that Lebanon cannot remain isolated from peace efforts.
Speaking in a statement on Monday, Aoun recalled the 2022 US-mediated maritime border deal as proof that diplomacy works. He asked why the same approach couldn’t be used to settle land disputes and broader tensions with Israel. “The general atmosphere is one of compromise,” he said, adding that the format of talks would be decided later.
Read more: Lebanon condemns deadly Israeli airstrikes after Gaza ceasefire
Clashes between Hezbollah and Israel resumed in 2023 and escalated into full war by late 2024, despite ongoing ceasefires. Israel says its recent strikes in Lebanon target Hezbollah, but the UN confirms over 100 civilians have died since the truce. Aoun criticized the continuing violence, saying Lebanon “can no longer tolerate more war and destruction.”
The US began helping to mark Lebanon’s land border with Israel in 2023, but that effort stalled amid renewed fighting. Thirteen points along the UN-demarcated 2000 “Blue Line” remain disputed. Israel also controls five key positions it considers strategic, a legacy of its 2006 war with Hezbollah. Talks could revive these frozen discussions.
Read more: Israel Bombs Lebanon Minutes After Gaza Ceasefire
Aoun urged an end to Israel’s “military and bloody messages” and stressed that peace should now be the focus. He echoed recent remarks by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who told the UN that peace with Lebanon was “possible.” Aoun’s call aligns with international pressure to disarm Hezbollah and seek long-term stability through diplomacy.