Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to peace, telling a United Nations Security Council delegation on Friday that Lebanon “does not want war again” as civilian representatives from Lebanon and Israel held their first talks in decades.
Aoun urged international support for the Lebanese army’s plan to disarm non-state groups, emphasizing that “there will be no going back” despite potential delays. The army aims to complete the first phase of its government-approved disarmament plan by the end of the year.
While Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem backed Lebanon’s diplomatic approach, he criticized the inclusion of civilian representatives in the ceasefire monitoring talks as a “misstep,” arguing it will not alter Israel’s position or aggression.
The meetings, part of a committee tasked with monitoring the November 2024 ceasefire, were intended to prevent a repeat of past conflicts. Aoun called on the UN delegation to pressure Israel to fully implement the ceasefire and withdraw from disputed areas. The next round of talks is scheduled to begin on December 19.
Tensions remain high as Israel continues airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah infrastructure. UN peacekeepers described the attacks as “clear violations” of Security Council Resolution 1701. Meanwhile, Hezbollah has refrained from responding directly to the strikes, though it vowed retaliation for the killing of its military chief in Beirut last month.
Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, a Hezbollah ally, stressed the importance of Israel respecting the ceasefire, warning that “negotiating under fire is unacceptable.”
Lebanon now faces the delicate task of balancing diplomatic efforts with ongoing security challenges, hoping to avoid a return to open conflict in the volatile south.
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