Lebanese president hopes Washington talks yield Israel ceasefire

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun voiced optimism on Monday that an upcoming meeting in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli government envoys could lead to a ceasefire. Speaking during a meeting in Beirut with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, Aoun said he hopes Tuesday’s talks “will result in a ceasefire in Lebanon with the aim of initiating direct negotiations” between the two countries.

Lebanon seeks sustainable solution

“There is now an opportunity to reach a sustainable solution, which is what Lebanon wants,” Aoun said. “However, this cannot be a unilateral solution. Israel must respond to Lebanese, Arab, and international calls to halt its assaults against Lebanon and start negotiations.” The president noted that Israel’s successive wars against Lebanon “have failed to achieve their objectives since 1982,” adding that “Israel's destruction of Lebanese territory and targeting of public and private institutions is not the solution. Diplomatic solutions have always been the best way to resolve armed conflicts worldwide.”

Ongoing Israeli offensive

The Israeli army has expanded its air and ground offensive across Lebanon since a Hezbollah cross-border attack on March 2, despite a November 2024 ceasefire deal. Lebanese health authorities report at least 2,089 killed and 6,762 injured since then. Israel continues to occupy areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades. The Washington meeting represents a critical diplomatic test.