Beirut: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced Monday that Lebanon remains committed to a framework agreement with Israel and is relying on the United States to assist in its execution, as preparations are underway for another round of negotiations with Israel.
According to Anadolu Agency, Aoun shared these remarks during a meeting with a delegation from the Task Force for Lebanon, an organization dedicated to strengthening US-Lebanon relations. He highlighted discussions held on the agreement during his July 21 meeting with US President Donald Trump in Washington, emphasizing Lebanon's commitment to fully implementing the deal.
Aoun acknowledged the challenges presented by the framework but expressed Lebanon's intent to reinforce it. "We are counting on the US. It is the sponsor of this agreement, and it is serious and committed and doing everything it can. It has been highly supportive," Aoun stated.
The Lebanese president indicated that Lebanon anticipates a new round of talks with Israel aimed at progressing further, although a specific date was not provided. "We have two choices: war or diplomacy," he said, stressing that diplomacy is the only viable solution as war yields no productive outcome.
Aoun also took the opportunity to highlight the capabilities of the Lebanese army, describing it as professional and well-trained, while underlining the need for resources and equipment to fulfill its duties effectively. Since April 14, Lebanon and Israel have engaged in seven rounds of direct negotiations, with five in Washington and two in Rome.
The meeting underscored Lebanon's role in regional stability, as Aoun discussed potential US investments in Lebanon and proposed a strategic economic and security partnership between the two nations. He criticized Israel's tactical approach in Lebanon, cautioning against the detrimental effects of destruction and civilian casualties, asserting that Israel's objectives cannot be achieved through force.
Aoun reiterated the necessity of establishing state-to-state relations with Iran, founded on mutual respect and noninterference. He emphasized Lebanon's significance to the US and its interests, asserting that regional stability hinges on Lebanon's stability and the support of the Lebanese army.
This meeting took place amid ongoing Israeli aggressions in Lebanon, despite the framework agreement signed by Beirut and Tel Aviv on June 26. The agreement outlines a phased Israeli withdrawal from occupied Lebanese territories in exchange for the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of armed groups, specifically referring to Hezbollah.
The conflict's toll continues to rise, with Lebanese authorities reporting a death toll of 4,346 and 12,301 wounded since March 2. The latest casualties occurred after 11 individuals were killed and 19 were injured in two Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon on Saturday. Israeli forces have advanced more than 10 kilometers into Lebanese territory during the current conflict, maintaining their occupation of several areas in southern Lebanon.