Most Lebanese support negotiations with Israel, says president

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has said that the majority of Lebanese citizens, including members of the Shiite community, support the state's decision to pursue negotiations with Israel, arguing that diplomacy offers the best path to ending the conflict and preventing further destruction.

Speaking ahead of a planned visit to Washington later this month, Aoun said he chose negotiations because he could not "stand by and watch my country being led into the abyss to serve the interests of another nation."

الرئيس جوزاف عون امام وفد الاتحاد الدولي لرجال وسيدات الاعمال اللبنانيين:

- اخترت المفاوضات لانه لا يمكنني أن أقف متفرجاً على وطني وهو يُقاد الى الهاوية خدمة لمصالح بلد آخر، وكان عليَّ أن أقوم بخطوة بإمكانها وقف آلة الدمار والابادة الإسرائيلية، والحد من الخسائر في الأرواح… pic.twitter.com/mW0Bs9jcSD

— Lebanese Presidency (@LBpresidency) July 8, 2026

He added that the move could help stop Israeli military operations and contribute to ending what he described as the occupation.

"This step enjoys the support of the majority of Lebanese people, including members of the Shiite community, who have paid the heaviest price for the wars in the South," Aoun said.

The Lebanese president is scheduled to visit the White House and meet with US President Donald Trump on July 21, according to an announcement by the Lebanese Embassy in Washington.

Aoun said he expects the trip to produce positive results for Lebanon.

"This visit reflects unprecedented American interest in Lebanon and US commitment to a permanent solution to the series of Israeli wars and aggressions against our country, as well as achieving stability across the entire Middle East," he said.

In a statement, the Embassy of Lebanon in the United States said the White House had formally invited Aoun to Washington for bilateral talks with Trump. The embassy said it is coordinating the visit in close cooperation with the Lebanese Presidency, the White House, and the US Department of State to ensure a successful meeting between the two leaders.

By Vafa Guliyeva