Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced on Friday that his country is entering a “new phase” of “permanent agreements,” following the 10-day ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Speaking directly to the Lebanese people, Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s newfound independence from being a battleground for other nations’ conflicts.
The ceasefire took effect after US President Donald Trump announced it on March 2nd, marking the day Iran-backed Hezbollah launched an attack on Israel following the death of Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei. The conflict has resulted in nearly 2,300 deaths and over a million displaced persons since then.
Aoun highlighted that this phase marks Lebanon’s transition from ceasefire to permanent agreements aimed at preserving its people’s rights, land unity, and national sovereignty. He stated that the Lebanese government had reclaimed decision-making power for the first time in nearly half a century.
The president thanked various parties involved in achieving the ceasefire, including Saudi Arabia and Trump. Trump later announced his expectation of Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visiting the White House within the next few days.
Direct negotiations with Israel have been contentious in Lebanon due to differing opinions on whether it’s an effective way to resolve recurring conflicts or a concession to Hezbollah. Despite this, Aoun reaffirmed that direct talks are not a sign of weakness nor a concession and do not infringe upon Lebanon’s sovereignty.
In 1983, Lebanon and Israel signed a withdrawal agreement following four-and-a-half months of US-mediated negotiations. However, it was scrapped in March 1984 under pressure from Syria and its allies. Following the latest war, Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives met within the framework of a ceasefire monitoring committee, with both sides agreeing to demarcate their maritime border in 2022.