Lebanese President Seeks Security Accord with Israel to Pave Way for Peace

Lebanese President Michel Aoun stated that Lebanon is pursuing a security agreement with Israel aimed at ending hostility and potentially paving the way for a future peace accord. Aoun emphasized in an interview with Agence France-Presse that this process must be gradual, prioritizing an Israeli withdrawal, the deployment of the Lebanese army along the border, and the return of displaced persons and prisoners.

Domestically, Aoun stressed the government's commitment to consolidating arms solely within the state's control, asserting this must be achieved without conflict or descent into civil war. He called upon Arab, European, and American nations to support and bolster the capabilities of the Lebanese army.

Furthermore, Aoun expressed Lebanon's openness to any force that could replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, provided a legal framework is established to safeguard state sovereignty and prevent a security vacuum. The president's remarks signal a potential shift in Lebanese foreign policy, seeking de-escalation and stability.