Lebanon rejects foreign mediation in talks with Israel, president says

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has indicated that Beirut will not accept any external party negotiating on its behalf, including Iran, in the context of broader diplomatic efforts linked to US–Iran talks, AP reports.

Aoun said a Lebanese delegation led by diplomat Simon Karam will take part in the next round of talks with Israel, as a 10-day fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah remains in place. The date for the talks has not yet been confirmed.

“No one will participate with Lebanon in this mission or replace it,” Aoun said in a statement. He added that the objective of the negotiations is to halt “hostile actions, end the Israeli occupation of southern areas, and deploy the army up to the internationally recognized southern borders.”

He said Lebanon is facing two choices: “the continuation of the war, or negotiations to end it.”

Hezbollah has expressed opposition to direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel. Last week, the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to Washington held the first direct talks in decades.

By Vafa Guliyeva