Lebanese President Urges Israel to Negotiate End to Conflict, Calls Military Approach Ineffective

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has issued a rare direct appeal to Israel, urging its government and citizens to engage in negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing conflict between the two countries. In an interview with CNN aired on Monday, Aoun stressed that a military solution would never guarantee lasting security, calling instead for dialogue and diplomacy.

“We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you? If you are, let’s sit and talk,” Aoun said, signaling Lebanon’s readiness to pursue a negotiated settlement with Israel.

According to Aoun, Lebanon is currently engaged in direct talks with Israel through U.S. mediation, with the goal of achieving a comprehensive ceasefire and ending hostilities. The initiative comes despite opposition from Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group that continues to clash with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese president emphasized that he would not meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu until a formal agreement to end the conflict is reached. He clarified that any future arrangement would likely take the form of a non-aggression pact rather than a full peace treaty.

“We need to end the state of hostility between Lebanon and Israel forever,” Aoun stated, describing such an agreement as a potential pathway toward a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.

Aoun also reiterated Lebanon’s support for the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which proposes normalization of relations between Arab states and Israel in exchange for Palestinian statehood and Israel’s withdrawal from occupied territories. However, he acknowledged that progress toward normalization would require a gradual, step-by-step process.

The conflict escalated on March 2 after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel in support of Iran. Israel responded with extensive airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon. Since then, thousands of people have been killed, and more than one million Lebanese residents have been displaced.

Aoun further criticized Iran’s role in the conflict, arguing that Lebanese citizens are suffering and dying to advance Tehran’s regional interests. He stated that Lebanon seeks a respectful relationship with Iran based on mutual non-interference while maintaining its national sovereignty.

The Lebanese leader’s comments come amid growing international efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire and reduce tensions across the region, as diplomatic negotiations continue under U.S. mediation.