Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced his country's full readiness to resume negotiations and discuss necessary security measures to stop the serious Israeli escalation. Aoun said that during his meeting today with the ambassadors of Norway, Hilde Haraldstad, Sweden, Jessica Swardestrom, and Denmark, Christopher Vivik, he «informed this position to several countries that seek to put an end to Israeli aggressions». Aoun presented to the three ambassadors «the current situation in the country in light of the broad Israeli escalation and ongoing attacks on the southern suburb of Beirut, the South, and the Bekaa, which have claimed the lives of more than 400 people, including women, children, and the elderly», considering that «such attacks will not achieve what Israel aims for». Aoun affirmed Lebanon's position, as stated in the cabinet decision last week, regarding Lebanon's full and final commitment to the provisions of the declaration of cessation of hostilities agreed upon in November 2024, which preserves peace and stability, in exchange for Israel being obligated to stop its aggressions throughout all Lebanese territories. Aoun stressed that «the government's decision to restrict weapons will be implemented according to the plan drawn up by the army command as soon as security conditions allow». The three ambassadors «expressed the solidarity of their countries with Lebanon at this delicate stage, and their readiness to provide the necessary assistance, especially in terms of assisting displaced persons and supporting the state's efforts in this field». Aoun also considered that «targeting the army or its commander at these delicate and dangerous times is a rejected, surprising, and suspicious stance because it aims to undermine the state's authority and question its capabilities, and it somehow aligns with the goals of those working to drag Lebanon into the ongoing regional war, contrary to the will of the majority of Lebanese who are tired of wars and their repercussions and insist on the state's sole right to make decisions of war and peace».
