Lebanon’s Aoun says Israel deal “does not legitimise” occupation

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that the framework agreement with Israel “does not legitimise the continued occupation,” Lebanese broadcaster MTV reported.

He emphasised the country’s desire to end external influence. According to the head of state, the deal is intended to restore national sovereignty, as it grants the Lebanese army the authority to take control of all the country’s territories following the withdrawal of Israeli forces.

According to Aoun, the main objective of the agreement is the full liberation of Lebanese land and the safe return of hundreds of thousands of displaced citizens.

He also said that "strength does not lie in the ability to wage war or ensure its continuation, but in the courage to end it through negotiation, which is a battle without bloodshed." At the same time, he warned of the existence of “red lines” for civic activity, pointing to the inadmissibility of incitement to conflict and attempts to overthrow the government through street protests.

A day earlier, the Lebanese president said that negotiations with Israel were not “treason, but a diplomatic war without unnecessary bloodshed.”

On June 26, Israel and Lebanon, with U.S. mediation, signed a framework agreement on the phased settlement of the conflict, providing for a partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory.

By Tamilla Hasanova