Lebanese President Says Negotiations with Israel Will Take Time

(MENAFN) Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said on Monday that ongoing negotiations with Israel, mediated by the United States, are progressing but will require patience, stressing that a resolution to the conflict cannot be achieved quickly.

Speaking during a meeting with business leaders, according to a presidency statement, Aoun emphasized that dialogue remains the preferred path despite the challenges involved.

"Negotiation is safer than war. We have seen -- and continue to see -- the devastation of war and its consequences,” Aoun said in a meeting with business representatives, as cited by a presidency statement.

He noted that reaching a lasting solution through diplomatic channels is a gradual process rather than an immediate fix.

"However, negotiations will not solve the problem overnight; they are a process that needs time, and we have no other choice," he added.

According to reports, Aoun stressed that participating in negotiations should not be viewed as a sign of weakness, but rather as a practical way to end conflict while minimizing further losses.

Aoun said negotiations “don’t mean surrender but rather are a means of ending wars with the least possible damage."

The Lebanese leader reaffirmed his government's commitment to the talks, stating that discussions continue to advance even if occasional obstacles slow the process.

The president also addressed the security situation in southern Lebanon, explaining that the military has not officially declared the area completely free of weapons.

"The army has not declared southern Lebanon to be completely demilitarized or free of weapons. From a military standpoint, however, the army has established operational control over the area,” Aoun said.

He added that eliminating weapons from the region is a complex task that cannot be completed rapidly because of the area's terrain and logistical challenges.

"Removing weapons from the south requires time given the region’s geography, which is characterized by mountains and valleys, and the army has fulfilled its responsibilities in this regard," he added.

MENAFN02062026000045017640ID1111196985