Lebanese President Seeks Security Pact with Israel as Peace Prelude

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated in an interview with Agence France-Presse that Lebanon is pursuing a security agreement with Israel to end the state of "hostility" between the two nations. He emphasized that direct negotiations are the only viable option for Lebanon to prevent further conflict. Aoun explained that the primary goal of a security accord would be to cease hostilities and facilitate the deployment of the Lebanese army along the border, potentially serving as a precursor to a future peace agreement. He stressed a step-by-step approach, beginning with an Israeli withdrawal, Lebanese army deployment, and the return of displaced residents and prisoners.

The President also affirmed the state's commitment to consolidating arms under its control, referencing the disarming of Hezbollah, but insisted on achieving this without internal strife. "The goal is not to build a state through bloody internal conflict or civil strife, but to build a state without resorting to civil war or internal conflict," he stated. Aoun highlighted that negotiation was chosen as the "least costly option," contrasting it with war, which he warned would be prohibitively expensive for Lebanon.

He appealed to Arab, European, and U.S. nations for support for the Lebanese army, enabling it to fulfill its responsibilities and expand its presence in southern Lebanon. "What you ask of the army requires assistance for the Lebanese state. We will bear our responsibility, but our partners, the Arab, European, and U.S. states, must share this responsibility by supporting the army and strengthening the Lebanese state," Aoun urged. He specified a need for a long-term, integrated plan rather than temporary aid, asserting that restoring state authority and control over war and peace decisions hinges on strengthening state institutions, particularly the security forces and the army.

Furthermore, Aoun expressed Lebanon's desire to avoid any power vacuum following the conclusion of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)'s mission, indicating openness to alternative forces. He clarified that any force in southern Lebanon should support and strengthen the army and the state, not replace state authority.