Lebanon's President Joseph Aoun said any future government deal will not cede territory or weaken the country's national rights, without clarifying whether he meant talks with Israel. The statement was delivered in his first televised address since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire halted fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The ceasefire agreement calls for direct Israeli-Lebanese talks intended to produce a 'peace between the two countries'.
Lebanon President Vows Any Future Deal Will Not Cede Territory Or Undermine National Rights
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attends a press conference with German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (not pictured), at the presidential palace in Baabda, Lebanon, February 16, 2026. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir
BEIRUT, April 17 — President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that any agreement his government ultimately signs or endorses will not surrender Lebanese territory or weaken the country's national rights. He did not specify whether his remarks were meant to refer to possible negotiations with Israel.
The televised address was Mr. Aoun's first public speech since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire on Thursday that halted days of fighting between Israel and the armed group Hezbollah. The ceasefire text calls for direct talks between Israel and Lebanon aimed at producing a 'peace between the two countries'.
Aoun's comments underscore Lebanon's insistence on protecting territorial integrity and national claims as the country faces pressure to enter diplomatic discussions. Observers say how Lebanon frames those talks will be closely watched both domestically and by regional actors.
(Reporting by Enas Alashray and Laila Bassam; Writing by Maya Gebeily; Editing by Alison Williams)
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