Lebanon’s Aoun: Full Israeli withdrawal remains ‘steadfast demand’
President Joseph Aoun has declared that securing a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory remains a “steadfast national demand,” pursued through negotiations that are not an act of concession. Three rounds of US‑mediated talks have been held, but Israeli military operations continue.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed Monday that a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory is an unwavering national priority. Speaking on Resistance and Liberation Day — marking Israel’s 2000 withdrawal from southern Lebanon after 22 years of occupation — Aoun stated: “The path to a complete Israeli withdrawal remains a steadfast national demand, one that the Lebanese state is working to achieve through negotiations.”
Negotiations not a concession
Aoun emphasised that talks with Israel “will not be an act of concession or surrender,” but rather represent Lebanon’s sovereign right to protect its territory through its military and security institutions. Beirut and Tel Aviv have held three rounds of US‑mediated direct talks since mid‑April in an effort to establish a lasting peace arrangement. However, despite a ceasefire that took effect on April 17 and was later extended into early July, Israeli military operations have continued in southern Lebanon.
Humanitarian toll
According to Lebanese officials, more than 3,100 people have been killed, over 9,500 injured, and around 1.6 million displaced by Israeli bombardments since March 2.
Comments you share on our site are a valuable resource for other users. Please be respectful of different opinions and other users. Avoid using rude, aggressive, derogatory, or discriminatory language.