Lebanese President: We will not back down from the decision to negotiate directly with Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun affirmed on Friday that he would not retract his decision to engage in direct negotiations with Israel, noting that criticisms of this approach are unworthy of response and stem from a desire to turn the Lebanese file into a bargaining chip in Iran’s hands.

During a meeting with the “Strong Republic” parliamentary bloc, led by Lebanese Forces party leader Samir Geagea, Aoun said, “I assure you that I will not withdraw from the decision to negotiate that I have made, while insisting that all my positions include clarifications for the Lebanese people regarding the importance of the path we are pursuing, and Lebanon’s steadfastness in safeguarding its sovereignty in every step we take.”

President Aoun also addressed the framework agreement signed between Lebanon and Israel, considering it a means to “restore Lebanon’s rights through diplomatic channels, provided Israel adheres to its provisions and their implementation succeeds.”

He stated, “Matters are being gradually resolved, and all criticisms targeting this path stem from a desire to turn the Lebanese file into a bargaining chip in Iran’s hands.”

He added, “We have today an opportunity to achieve the gains we lost through a futile war, especially given the current American momentum in focusing on Lebanon and the United States’ ability to pressure Israel to remove the obstacles it places.”