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Lebanon seeks negotiations with Israel amid escalating violence
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has proposed direct negotiations with Israel to establish lasting security arrangements along the border, while sharply criticizing Hezbollah for exacerbating the conflict. The initiative comes as Israeli strikes displace hundreds of thousands and deepen Lebanon's humanitarian crisis.
Aoun's four-point plan for stability
During a virtual meeting with European Union officials on Monday, Aoun outlined a proposal to end hostilities. The plan calls for a simultaneous complete truce, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and international support to strengthen the Lebanese Armed Forces in conflict zones. Direct negotiations between Lebanon and Israel would follow under international supervision.
Aoun's office emphasized that Lebanon is prepared to engage in talks but not while under Israeli bombardment. The proposal has yet to receive a formal response from Israel.
Hezbollah accused of undermining Lebanon
Aoun delivered rare public criticism of Hezbollah, labeling the Iran-backed group an "armed faction" that disregards Lebanon's national interests. He accused the militia of seeking to destabilize the state through its military actions, which the Lebanese government declared illegal last week.
"Hezbollah shows no regard for Lebanon's interests or the lives of its people," Aoun said. "It is pushing the country toward collapse under aggression and chaos." The government, however, lacks the capacity to disarm the group unilaterally.
Israel dismisses negotiations, demands disarmament
Israeli officials have shown little interest in Aoun's proposal. Joshua Zarka, Israel's ambassador to France, stated on Tuesday that Beirut had not taken meaningful steps to disarm Hezbollah, the only condition Israel would accept to end the conflict.
"At this stage, I'm not aware of any decision to enter negotiations. What would end this war is the disarmament of Hezbollah-and that is a choice for the Lebanese government."
Joshua Zarka, Israeli Ambassador to France
Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directly addressed Lebanon on X (formerly Twitter), asserting that Beirut bore responsibility for enforcing a ceasefire and disarming Hezbollah.
Humanitarian crisis deepens as strikes continue
The United Nations reports that over 700,000 people, including 200,000 children, have been displaced by Israeli strikes in the past nine days. At least 486 people have been killed in Lebanon since the conflict escalated, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Two Israeli soldiers have died in combat in southern Lebanon.
Aoun described the plight of displaced families, many of whom lack shelter and basic necessities. "Some are living on roads with nothing," he said.
"We were running away from the bombing! There's no safety! I have little kids, and the living conditions were already bad. You can only imagine how it is during wartime. I just want to keep my kids safe."
Ahmed al-Halabi, displaced father from south Beirut
Al-Halabi, now sheltering in a repurposed school in Beirut, said his children are suffering from psychological trauma after experiencing displacement for the second time.
Ceasefire collapses as regional tensions flare
A November 2024 ceasefire, brokered by the U.S. and France, has largely unraveled. Israel has conducted near-daily strikes in Lebanon, accusing Hezbollah of rearming and rebuilding its forces. The conflict intensified after Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into northern Israel two days after the joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Iran, which it claimed was retaliation for the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Aoun condemned Hezbollah's actions as a deliberate provocation designed to draw Israel into a broader incursion. Israel has vowed to continue its military campaign until Hezbollah is disarmed, while the group has pledged to persist in its attacks regardless of the cost.
