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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Wednesday that the country is pursuing an independent path in ongoing negotiations, emphasizing that any settlement must be reached through the state. Meanwhile, media reports indicate that the Israeli army is preparing for a potentially prolonged presence across the border.
Aoun made the remarks while receiving a delegation of Maronite bishops from the diaspora, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.
“The assurances we received, and what we insist on, are that Lebanon has an independent track in the negotiations,” Aoun said.
He stressed that the Lebanese state remains responsible for the talks and retains full authority over its decisions.
“The Lebanese state is conducting the negotiations, and it is sovereign in its decision-making,” he said. “No one takes its place, and any settlement will be through Lebanon, not at its expense.”
The Israeli army is prepared to remain in Lebanon for an extended period if directed by the country’s political leadership, Israel’s public broadcaster KAN reported Tuesday, citing unnamed security sources.
The sources said the military was ready for “all scenarios in Lebanon,” despite the U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending the war on several fronts.
Washington and Tehran are expected to sign the agreement in Switzerland on Friday.
According to the report, Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon are continuing, along with incidents of gunfire toward northern Israel.
The report came after Aoun said the memorandum of understanding between the U.S. and Iran included commitments to stop military escalation across the region, including in Lebanon.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi also said Tuesday that ending the war in Lebanon was “an integral part” of the agreement with Washington.
Araghchi said the arrangement would include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory.
Aoun said Lebanon supported a ceasefire and welcomed assistance from any country willing to help, including Iran.
Beirut is “certainly in favor of a ceasefire and of any country that helps us, including Iran,” he said.
He emphasized, however, that outside support would not replace the Lebanese state’s role in the negotiations.
Aoun said Lebanon would remain directly involved in any settlement and would not accept an agreement imposed at its expense.
Israel has carried out an offensive against Lebanon since March 2.
The attacks have killed and wounded thousands of people and displaced more than 1 million, according to official figures.
The negotiations are continuing amid conflicting positions over whether Israeli forces will withdraw or remain in Lebanon after the U.S.-Iran agreement.
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