- BIST10011,614-0.92%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,186.80+0.14%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,299+0.35%
- October 19, 202617°
- BIST10011,614-0.92%
- USD49.45+0.05%
- EUR55.62+0.37%
- GOLD4,186.80+0.14%
- INTEREST37.00%-1.00
- BITCOIN82,299+0.35%
- October 19, 202617°
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says talks with Israel are the only option for the south
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said negotiations with Israel were the only option for achieving his country’s goals in the south. Aoun listed reclaiming the territory, deploying the army along the international borders, returning prisoners, enabling residents to return and reconstruction among those goals.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said negotiations with Israel were necessary to reclaim territory in southern Lebanon and achieve other objectives.
Addressing a delegation from the Lebanese Maronite General Council, Aoun said reclaiming the territory in the south and deploying the Lebanese army as far as the international borders could not be achieved through war.
Aoun said the decision to negotiate was made to avoid the destruction and tragedies caused by war. He noted that the process would not be easy or move quickly because of the obstacles and challenges it would face, but said negotiations were still far better than the option of war.
Goals set for the south
The Lebanese president said there was a shared goal of liberating the south and deploying the army along the border. Aoun added the return of prisoners, the return of residents to their homes and reconstruction efforts to those objectives.
Aoun said it had become clear that these outcomes could not be achieved through war, adding that Lebanon had no option other than negotiations.
Casualties from attacks and the June 26 agreement
According to information provided by Lebanese authorities, Israeli attacks on Lebanon since March 2, 2026, have killed 4,350 people, injured 12,307 and displaced more than 1 million.
Israel has continued its attacks despite the agreement signed with Lebanon on June 26 under U.S. mediation. The agreement envisages the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from all Lebanese territory, the deployment of the Lebanese army in the area and the disarmament of armed groups.
Aoun delivers reform message
Aoun said the government had begun tackling the corruption that had been widespread for years as part of its reform agenda. The president said they were working to strengthen state institutions while confronting groups that reject the state order.
Aoun said some steps had been taken as part of economic and financial reforms, noting that although they were insufficient, economic growth had been achieved. He said the war had dashed growth expectations, but Lebanon had nevertheless remained standing and state institutions had continued to operate.
Stay Updated with Hilal Times
Subscribe to be informed about special news, developments and announcements. We will keep you informed.
By signing up, you agree to our Privacy Policy
