Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared Friday that his government will seek "permanent agreements" with Israel, signaling a dramatic shift in Lebanese diplomacy following President Donald Trump's announcement of a White House invitation for both leaders.
The announcement comes one day after Trump brokered a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, ending more than a month of Israeli bombardment that killed over 2,100 people in Lebanon and displaced more than a million. Israeli forces currently occupy southern Lebanon as far as the Litani River.
We all stand before a new stage. It is the stage of transition from working to halt the gunfire to working on permanent agreements that preserve the rights of our people, the unity of our land and the sovereignty of our homeland.
Joseph Aoun, Lebanese President — Al-Monitor
Aoun's televised address represents a historic pivot for Lebanon, which has been technically at war with Israel since 1948. The Lebanese president emphasized that negotiations would not compromise core national interests, stating that talks would never mean "the forfeiture of any right" or "an infringement on the sovereignty of this homeland."
The Lebanese leader outlined specific negotiation goals: halting Israeli military operations, securing Israeli withdrawal from occupied territory, extending Lebanese state authority throughout the country exclusively through government forces, and facilitating the return of prisoners and displaced civilians to their homes.
Frames Aoun's announcement as Lebanon reclaiming sovereignty and decision-making power after decades of external influence. Emphasizes the historic nature of direct negotiations and Lebanon's newfound independence from regional proxy conflicts, presenting this as a victory for Lebanese state authority.