(MENAFN) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday called for an end to military hostilities as a precondition for restarting negotiations with Israel. Speaking to the Association of Economic Journalists, Aoun stressed, “We hope to reach a time when Israel will stop its military actions against Lebanon so that the negotiation process can start,” according to a statement from Lebanon’s Presidency.

Aoun referenced Lebanon’s previous successful negotiations with Israel, which resulted in a maritime border agreement, proposing that a comparable framework could address outstanding disputes between the two nations.

He also highlighted Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts with Syria, noting his recent meetings with Syrian officials. “Cooperation, mutual respect, and coordination on security and economic issues” remain central to Lebanon’s approach toward its neighbor, Aoun said.

Since November 27, 2024, a ceasefire brokered by the United States and France has largely quelled fighting between Israel and Hezbollah amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. However, the Israeli military continues to launch occasional strikes within Lebanon, citing operations against Hezbollah “threats,” while maintaining troop deployments at five key positions along the Lebanese border.

MENAFN14102025000045017169ID1110192280