Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has publicly called for direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, outlining a plan that he says could stabilize the volatile border and reduce the risk of wider war.
Speaking publicly, Aoun urged the international community to help implement a framework based on several key principles. First, he called for a complete ceasefire with Israel across land, air, and sea. Second, he requested logistical support for the Lebanese army in order to strengthen state authority.
Aoun also said the Lebanese army would immediately deploy to areas of tension, confiscate weapons, and work to disarm Hezbollah based on available intelligence. Finally, he proposed that Israel and Lebanon begin direct — not indirect — negotiations under international sponsorship to reach a formal agreement between the two countries.
The statement marks a significant shift in tone from Beirut, where official calls for direct talks with Israel have historically been rare due to internal political pressures and the influence of Hezbollah.
