Lebanese president tells Israel military solutions won't bring security

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun warned on Friday that military operations cannot provide lasting security for northern Israeli communities, urging Tel Aviv to abandon force in favor of dialogue to end months of cross-border hostilities.

CNN interview

Speaking to the network in an interview released Friday, Aoun said military solutions would never bring safety to Israeli civilians living near the border. "Military activities or military solutions will never provide you with security and safety," he said, adding that Beirut stands ready to negotiate. Aoun asked whether Israeli leaders truly desire peace after decades of conflict, noting that Lebanese civilians along the frontier have grown weary of repeated wars.

Historical context

Lebanon and Israel have technically remained at war since 1948, though the current escalation began when Hezbollah launched rocket attacks following the US-Israeli strike on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The exchange of fire has continued for three months, with Israeli military operations killing more than 3,500 people and displacing approximately one-fifth of Lebanon's population. Aoun emphasized that both Lebanese and Israeli civilians deserve an end to the violence, stating that reason must prevail over military might.

Call for negotiations

"Our people along the border are fed up with wars," Aoun told the network, stressing that ending hostilities requires mutual commitment from both governments. He asked Israeli leaders directly whether they wished to live in perpetual conflict since 1948 or pursue a peaceful settlement through talks. "We are ready, we are willing, we are committed. Are you?" he said, warning that without diplomatic engagement neither side would achieve lasting stability.