Lebanese Army Chief Eyes Security Pact With Israel, Not Immediate Peace

Lebanese Army Commander General Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon is seeking a security agreement with Israel to end the state of hostility, suggesting it could pave the way for a future peace deal, though not at present. Aoun emphasized that the crucial first step involves an Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese army along the border, which he considers central to Beirut's objectives.

Aoun asserted that Lebanon sees direct negotiations as the only option to prevent a new war, prioritizing a diplomatic path over military escalation to resolve outstanding issues. He reiterated that the current focus is on a security agreement, with the possibility of transitioning to a peace accord later, stressing that immediate priorities are security measures and border stabilization.

Regarding internal matters, Aoun affirmed Lebanon's commitment to consolidating arms solely within state institutions, vowing to pursue this goal without internal conflict. This stance reflects the Lebanese leadership's dedication to state control over weaponry while avoiding domestic clashes.

These remarks were made in the context of Aoun discussing various security and political issues crucial for Lebanon's stability and preventing renewed confrontations, alongside efforts to advance direct negotiations. Aoun is scheduled to attend a conference in Paris on Thursday with French President Emmanuel Macron and King Abdullah II of Jordan to rally international support for the Lebanese army.

The Paris conference aims to bolster the Lebanese military, which Aoun highlights as vital for border deployment and strengthening state presence in security matters. His participation coincides with his outlining of Lebanon's proposed path to avoid war: direct negotiations, followed by Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese army deployment, and finally, consolidating state control over arms without internal strife. Aoun thus links diplomatic efforts with the army's security role, positioning a peace agreement with Israel as a future possibility rather than an immediate objective.