Lebanese President Joseph Aoun ruled out any immediate negotiations on normalizing ties with Israel, reaffirming that Lebanon remains committed to the Arab Peace Initiative as the foundation for any future agreement. He emphasized that the country’s position aligns with the broader Arab consensus on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

“Lebanon remains committed to the Arab Peace Initiative and will wait for the right circumstances regarding any future agreement with Israel,” Aoun said in an interview with France 24.

The Arab Peace Initiative, first proposed by Saudi Arabia and adopted by the Arab League in 2002, offers Israel full normalization of ties with Arab states in exchange for a complete withdrawal from territories occupied since 1967, the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and a just resolution to the Palestinian refugee crisis. While reaffirmed in subsequent Arab summits, the initiative has not been accepted by Israel.

Speaking ahead of his visit to France on Friday, Aoun revealed that French President Emmanuel Macron is working to organize an international aid conference to support Lebanon’s reconstruction following the devastating war between Israel and Hezbollah. However, he stressed that financial assistance would be contingent on Lebanon implementing key reforms and meeting the conditions set by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Addressing the security situation in southern Lebanon, Aoun affirmed that the Lebanese Army is fully carrying out its duties in the region and reiterated the government’s commitment to implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701. He noted that Hezbollah has been cooperative on arms-related issues and emphasized that dialogue is the only viable path toward resolving disputes.

Aoun underscored the importance of all parties respecting the ceasefire agreement, accusing Israel of ongoing violations by maintaining a presence in five disputed border areas. He reaffirmed Lebanon’s commitment to preserving the truce and said diplomatic efforts were underway to secure guarantees from France, the United States, and other members of the UN monitoring committee to ensure compliance with the agreement.

Despite these efforts, Aoun acknowledged that there are no assurances Israel will cease its violations. Citing Lebanon’s past experiences with Israeli agreements, he described them as “discouraging.” He insisted that diplomacy remains Lebanon’s only course of action to enforce the agreement and push for Israel’s withdrawal from occupied points.

“We hope security remains under control and that the situation does not escalate further,” he said.

Turning to tensions along the Lebanese-Syrian border, Aoun disclosed that Saudi Arabia has taken the lead in mediating discussions. He confirmed that Lebanese-Syrian talks are ongoing under Saudi sponsorship and that Lebanon plans to establish direct communication channels with Damascus. Additionally, he announced plans to form joint committees tasked with demarcating land and maritime borders. These efforts, he said, aim to resolve longstanding disputes and facilitate the return of displaced Syrians to their home country.

Aoun described the current regional and international climate as favorable, noting that Lebanon enjoys substantial global support.

“We have an important opportunity that must be seized to serve the country’s interests,” he said.

On the domestic front, Aoun reiterated Lebanon’s commitment to economic and political reforms, calling them a national necessity rather than just an international obligation.

“We are committed to reforms. There is no other option,” he declared, emphasizing the urgent need for structural changes.