Lebanese President Aoun: Security Deal with Israel Necessary Before Netanyahu Meeting
Aoun's office states that a security agreement and halt to Israeli attacks are prerequisites for any meeting between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as suggested by Washington.
Beirut - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun emphasized on Monday the necessity of achieving a security arrangement and halting Israeli assaults before considering a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
This position was articulated in a statement from Aoun's office, which quoted the president as saying: "We must first reach a security agreement and stop the Israeli attacks on us before we raise the issue of a meeting between us".
The context for this demand is rooted in recent diplomatic developments and military tensions.
Representatives from both Israel and Lebanon engaged in historic talks last month in Washington, marking a significant shift in bilateral engagement following Lebanon's involvement in regional conflicts, particularly after Hezbollah's actions led to Israeli strikes and an incursion into Lebanese territory in March.
Following the initial round of talks, US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon effective from April 17th, with an additional three-week extension granted post-second round discussions.
These developments have set the stage for direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
A third round of "preparatory talks" is expected to take place in the coming days.
The US embassy in Beirut has advocated for a meeting between Aoun, Netanyahu, and Trump, expressing that such an opportunity allows Lebanon to reclaim its future.
However, this proposition has encountered resistance within Lebanon, with Hezbollah dismissing direct negotiations and calling for diplomatic efforts focused on ending the conflict while maintaining their stance against disarmament.
President Aoun maintains that negotiations are imperative due to the absence of alternative solutions aimed at achieving the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories.
In contrast, US Ambassador Michel Issa views President Aoun's potential visit to Trump as without loss or concession, positioning it as a preliminary step towards formal negotiations.
The sovereignty of Lebanon remains a key demand in these discussions.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon, with nearly 2,700 people killed, including dozens since the ceasefire was implemented.
This position was articulated in a statement from Aoun's office, which quoted the president as saying: "We must first reach a security agreement and stop the Israeli attacks on us before we raise the issue of a meeting between us".
The context for this demand is rooted in recent diplomatic developments and military tensions.
Representatives from both Israel and Lebanon engaged in historic talks last month in Washington, marking a significant shift in bilateral engagement following Lebanon's involvement in regional conflicts, particularly after Hezbollah's actions led to Israeli strikes and an incursion into Lebanese territory in March.
Following the initial round of talks, US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon effective from April 17th, with an additional three-week extension granted post-second round discussions.
These developments have set the stage for direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
A third round of "preparatory talks" is expected to take place in the coming days.
The US embassy in Beirut has advocated for a meeting between Aoun, Netanyahu, and Trump, expressing that such an opportunity allows Lebanon to reclaim its future.
However, this proposition has encountered resistance within Lebanon, with Hezbollah dismissing direct negotiations and calling for diplomatic efforts focused on ending the conflict while maintaining their stance against disarmament.
President Aoun maintains that negotiations are imperative due to the absence of alternative solutions aimed at achieving the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories.
In contrast, US Ambassador Michel Issa views President Aoun's potential visit to Trump as without loss or concession, positioning it as a preliminary step towards formal negotiations.
The sovereignty of Lebanon remains a key demand in these discussions.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties in Lebanon, with nearly 2,700 people killed, including dozens since the ceasefire was implemented.
