Lebanon-Israel deal first step toward 'complete' sovereignty: Aoun

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Friday that a newly signed framework agreement with Israel represents the first step toward restoring "complete and undiminished" sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, according to a statement by the Lebanese presidency.

Aoun described the pact as "the beginning of the path for displaced people to return to their liberated towns under the sovereignty of a Lebanese state that has no partner over its land and people," the statement said. He added: "We pledge to continue working until there is no occupation, no prisoners, no dependency and no tutelage."

US sponsorship

The Lebanese leader thanked US President Donald Trump for hosting and sponsoring the negotiations in Washington, the statement noted. Aoun also expressed gratitude to friendly nations that supported Lebanon's independence throughout the difficult talks. The fifth round of negotiations concluded with the signing ceremony in the US capital.

Implementation framework

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the agreement aims to secure a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and restore state authority, allowing residents to return to their areas. He stated that Lebanon's obligations include extending the authority of the Lebanese armed forces across all territory — a commitment rooted in the 1989 Taif Agreement and reaffirmed by UN Security Council Resolution 1701. Salam noted that the 2024 declaration on the cessation of hostilities clearly stipulated that only legitimate forces are authorized to bear arms in Lebanon.