Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized on Wednesday that negotiations with Israel represent the sole viable path for Lebanon to achieve its objectives in the south, particularly the liberation of Israeli-occupied territories and the deployment of the national army in the region. Aoun made these remarks during a meeting with officials from Lebanon's Maronite Church, highlighting that these goals could not be realized through warfare, as per a statement from his office.

According to Anadolu Agency, Aoun stated that the decision to engage in talks with Israel was made to prevent the devastation and suffering that war brings. He acknowledged that the negotiations are neither straightforward nor swift, yet they are a preferable alternative to conflict. The president affirmed a consensus on the aims of liberating the south, deploying the army to the international border, recovering prisoners, and facilitating the return and rebuilding of residents. He stressed that such objectives have proven unattainable through war, leaving negotiations as the only option.

Aoun also addressed Beirut's strategy for financial and economic reforms, noting his and the government's commitment to tackling the longstanding issue of corruption. He described the Lebanese authorities' efforts as a 'war against those who reject the logic of the state.'

The backdrop to these negotiations includes a series of extensive attacks by Israel on southern Lebanon, initiated in early March, purportedly targeting Hezbollah. The Lebanese group has retaliated by striking Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, effectively terminating a ceasefire that had been maintained since late 2024.

In a significant development, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-backed framework agreement in June. This agreement outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories and the subsequent deployment of the Lebanese army into these areas. Additionally, it calls for the disarmament of armed groups, including Hezbollah.