Daijiworld Media Network - Beirut
Beirut, Apr 18: Joseph Aoun announced that Lebanon is entering a new phase focused on negotiating lasting agreements aimed at protecting national sovereignty, territorial unity, and the rights of its citizens.
In a national address, Aoun said the country is transitioning from implementing a ceasefire to pursuing broader efforts for long-term stability. He expressed optimism that continued diplomatic engagement, alongside the resilience of the Lebanese people, would help steer the nation toward recovery.
Aoun emphasized that negotiations should not be seen as a concession but as a strategic and sovereign step to safeguard national interests, prevent further casualties, and address the displacement crisis. He highlighted the heavy human cost of the conflict, noting that thousands have lost their lives, and stressed that such losses must not continue.
Outlining priorities for the next phase, Aoun called for an end to Israeli military actions in Lebanese territory, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of detainees, and the safe resettlement of displaced populations. He also stressed the need to restore full state authority across all regions and urged unity under a single national framework.
Meanwhile, Wafiq Safa, a senior figure in Hezbollah, stated in an interview that the group’s weapons remain non-negotiable at this stage. He insisted that discussions on disarmament cannot begin until key conditions are met, including a halt to attacks, Israeli withdrawal, and reconstruction efforts.
The tensions follow the breakdown of the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, which had been marked by frequent violations and ultimately collapsed in early March after renewed hostilities between the two sides.
A recent 10-day ceasefire has temporarily reduced violence, though the situation remains unstable. According to Lebanese authorities, the conflict has claimed over 2,000 lives, including medical personnel, underscoring the urgency of a durable resolution.
On the Israeli side, Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that while there is openness to a combined diplomatic and military approach with Lebanon, operations against Hezbollah are not yet concluded.
Despite the ceasefire, reports of continued strikes highlight the fragility of the truce, raising concerns about whether the current pause in fighting can evolve into a sustained peace.