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Aoun Rules Out Immediate Netanyahu Meeting, Reaffirms Negotiation Track
(MENAFN) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated on Monday that it is not the right time for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while emphasizing that engagement through negotiations remains ongoing and unavoidable, according to a statement from the Lebanese Presidency.
He underscored that the diplomatic track is not optional and will continue, saying:
"There is no turning back on the path of negotiations (direct with Israel) because we have no other option,"
Aoun also clarified Lebanon’s core demands in any future negotiating framework, linking them to long-standing national positions and rights, stating:
"The objectives set in any negotiation process are based on Israeli withdrawal from the occupied Lebanese territories and the return of prisoners; all these are rights that Lebanon has been demanding for years."
On the question of direct political engagement at the highest level, he argued that conditions are not yet suitable for such a step. He stressed that security conditions must first improve and hostilities must stop before any meeting is considered, stating:
"The timing is not right now for a meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister, as we must first reach a security agreement and stop the Israeli attacks on us before we raise the issue of a meeting between us,"
Lebanon and Israel have remained in a formal state of war since 1948, although indirect diplomatic contacts have recently taken place. Two rounds of talks were held in Washington on April 14 and April 23 as part of preliminary steps toward possible negotiations.
Meanwhile, the conflict has intensified in recent months. Since March 2, an Israeli military campaign in Lebanon has reportedly resulted in nearly 2,700 fatalities, 8,264 injuries, and the displacement of more than 1.6 million people—around one-fifth of the population—based on official figures.
A ceasefire that began on April 17 was later extended until May 17. However, according to reports, violations have continued, including ongoing airstrikes and the demolition of residential structures in southern Lebanon.
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