Lebanese president seeks security deal with Israel after troop withdrawal

Lebanese president seeks security deal with Israel after troop withdrawal Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon wants to negotiate a security agreement with Israel once Israeli troops withdraw from Lebanese territory, describing it as a possible step towards a future peace agreement.

Speaking ahead of a visit to France, Aoun said Lebanon had “no choice” but negotiations, warning that the alternative would be a costly war.

He said the immediate goal was to end the state of hostility and establish security along the border, rather than move directly to a peace treaty.

Aoun also reiterated Lebanon’s determination to disarm Hezbollah, saying the decision was “neither negotiable nor open to discussion”.

However, he stressed that Beirut wanted to resolve the issue peacefully and avoid confrontation or another civil war. “The objective is not a confrontation,” Aoun said.

“We are determined to resolve this issue peacefully.

” Aoun is due in Paris for a meeting hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron and attended by Jordan’s King Abdullah II, aimed at securing international support for the Lebanese army.

With the UN peacekeeping mission UNIFIL scheduled to end its mandate on December 31, 2026, Aoun said Lebanon wanted an interim international force to prevent a security vacuum in the south while the army expands its deployment.

“The best and most optimal option remains extending UNIFIL’s mandate,” he said, while saying Lebanon would accept a temporary European, Arab, Asian, US or UN-backed force if necessary.

Aoun also said Lebanon had no objection to relations with Iran but insisted they must be based on mutual respect and non-interference in Lebanese affairs.

Asked about Israel’s upcoming elections, Aoun said the key issue for Lebanon was whether future Israeli governments wanted “stability, security and no wars” along their border. (Reported by AFP)