Lebanese President Refuses to Withdraw from Negotiations with Israel

SadaNews: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has refused to withdraw from negotiations with Israel, indicating "pressures" pushing in this direction.

Aoun stated in a post on the "X" platform on Thursday, "Despite the pressures to withdraw from the negotiations, we will not withdraw, and we will continue until we reach conclusions in the interest of our nation."

He clarified that Lebanon "demands the end of hostility with Israel according to the following points: Israeli withdrawal, cessation of assaults, deployment of the army, and the return of displaced persons and prisoners."

He continued: "Our option remains the state as it protects us all, and we must be convinced that we are a sovereign state."

The Lebanese president considered that "the positions reached by any official are not a luxury but a responsibility; either one meets the responsibilities and the weight of the decisions, or one should stay at home."

The fourth round of negotiations between Lebanon and Israel, under American sponsorship, was held at the beginning of June. It was announced after its conclusion that "Israel and Lebanon agreed to implement a ceasefire."

However, the violent Israeli attacks on various areas of Lebanon continue, as do strikes by Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran.

Lebanese security sources stated that Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least 13 people on Wednesday, while Hezbollah announced new attacks against Israeli forces.

The Israeli army said it detected the falling of "projectiles" near an area where its forces are active in southern Lebanon, after sirens sounded in several areas in northern Israel early Thursday.