Lebanon’s Negotiation with the Enemy: Aoun’s View on the Necessity of Dialogue

In his remarks, the Lebanese president underlined the need for dialogue to safeguard national interests, noting that under the current conditions, Lebanon has only one option ahead: to negotiate with the Israeli regime.

According to Rokna, citing Al Mayadeen, Aoun stated that Lebanon is compelled to choose the path of dialogue under the current situation.

He added: “Negotiation only makes sense when the other party is an enemy, not a friend or ally, because dialogue with a friend requires neither mediation nor agreement, but with an enemy it can pave the way for understanding and peace.”

Referring to the heavy toll of past conflicts on Lebanon, Aoun emphasized: “We have seen the language of war and we know what it has brought upon us. Today, more than ever, we need the language of dialogue and diplomacy — a language that leaders from Nabih Berri to Nawaf Salam have all relied upon.”

He also stated that he does not consider himself a professional politician but rather “a man in service of his country.”

Aoun added: “Some believe Lebanon is their personal property, while I belong to Lebanon — not Lebanon to me.”

Border tensions between Lebanon and Israel have intensified in recent weeks. Despite the declaration of a ceasefire at the end of 2024, Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon continue daily.

Meanwhile, the United States has increased pressure on the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah — a move strongly opposed by the group and its allies.

Earlier, Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz warned that Tel Aviv might escalate its attacks against Hezbollah.

While Israel has failed to fulfill any of its commitments under its agreement with Lebanon, Defense Minister Katz accused Lebanese President Joseph Aoun of “stalling” in his responses.

Aoun, in turn, accused Israel on Friday of escalating its attacks instead of responding to Lebanon’s invitation for negotiations.

According to Rokna, Israel began its aggression against Lebanon on October 1, 2024 (10 Mehr 1403), and after two months, on Wednesday, November 27, signed a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States.

Under the terms of the agreement, Israeli forces were to withdraw from southern Lebanon within 60 days. However, in violation of international law, Israel has retained troops in five strategic positions in the area and has not withdrawn. Since the signing of the ceasefire, the Israeli army has violated the agreement thousands of times.