Aoun says diplomacy is the only solution for the South

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reiterated that diplomatic efforts are the only viable path to end Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon. He emphasized that Lebanon can no longer endure the rhetoric of war and is committed to pursuing peaceful solutions..

Aoun has consistently advocated for the Lebanese state to hold exclusive control over arms, a goal that he acknowledges must be approached delicately and through dialogue, considering the complex circumstances. This stance aligns with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the disarmament of all non-state armed groups and stipulates that only Lebanese forces and UN peacekeepers should operate south of the Litani River.

The United States has been urging Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, especially after the group’s significant losses in the recent conflict with Israel. Despite a truce agreement, Israeli forces continue to occupy five strategic positions in southern Lebanon, a situation that complicates the disarmament discussions.

Hezbollah’s leadership, while open to dialogue on a national defense strategy, maintains that disarmament cannot occur under the pressure of ongoing Israeli occupation. The group insists that any discussions about its weapons must be contingent upon Israel’s full withdrawal from Lebanese territory.