Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Rules Out Meeting Netanyahu During Washington Visit

In an interview with the Lebanese newspaper An-Nahar, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun firmly stated that he has no intention of meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during his upcoming visit to Washington. Aoun emphasized that despite the issue of Israel-Lebanon relations being on the U.S. president's agenda, reports of a potential meeting between him and Netanyahu are false. He declared, "If by chance we find ourselves in the same room, I intend to leave immediately."

Aoun detailed the implementation of the Washington-signed declaration of intent, which includes establishing a tripartite monitoring committee (MCG4L) led by U.S. General Joseph Clifford. This committee, based at the U.S. embassy in Lebanon, will operate without direct coordination between Lebanese and Israeli officers. It will replace the previous ceasefire monitoring mechanism known as the "Mechanism Committee." He also noted that French officers will not be part of the new body, although France will continue supporting the Lebanese army in cooperation with Saudi Arabia.

Regarding Hezbollah's disarmament, Aoun clarified that no special unit within the Lebanese army will be tasked with this mission, citing his equal trust in all officers and soldiers. He described the Washington declaration as "not ideal but realistic," enabling Lebanon to regain control over territories occupied by the Israeli Defense Forces in southern Lebanon.

Finally, Aoun addressed criticism over Lebanon's defense minister attending the funeral of Iranian commander Ali Khamenei in Tehran. He defended Lebanon's ongoing diplomatic relations with Iran and questioned why Lebanon should be expected to act differently when other Arab countries sent condolence delegations as well.