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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Friday that the time had come to end the war permanently following what he described as a “fruitful” meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, according to the Lebanese Presidency.
Aoun made the remarks while receiving EU Ambassador Sandra De Waele and a delegation of ambassadors and charges d’affaires.
He said Lebanon remained committed to reforms and would continue working toward its goals despite the war.
Aoun said the continued presence of the U.N. Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) remained the best option for the next phase.
“The continued presence of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon remains the best option for the coming phase,” he said.
Aoun added that an alternative force should be established to replace UNIFIL if its continued presence was not possible.
He also called on the European Union to support the implementation of the “framework formula,” saying Lebanon’s stability would have a positive effect on stability across the region.
De Waele said Lebanon was at a crossroads and entering a new chapter.
She said the EU supported Lebanon’s path toward security, stability and reforms.
Israel’s offensive on Lebanon has killed 4,329 people and injured 12,233 others since March 2, 2026, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.
Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon despite the agreement.
Some of the occupied areas have been held for decades, while others were taken during the 2023-2024 confrontations.
Israeli forces advanced more than 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) into Lebanese territory during the current offensive.
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