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Aoun defends negotiations
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun reaffirmed his commitment to negotiations with Israel, saying the recently signed framework agreement could help restore Lebanon’s rights through diplomatic means if Israel complies with its provisions.
“AhlulBayt News Agency (ABNA): Joseph Aoun, Lebanon's President, stated in remarks that he made the decision to continue negotiations with the Zionist regime with the aim of preventing the country from entering a critical situation”
Aoun made the remarks during a meeting with Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea, and he said negotiations reinforce Lebanon’s sovereignty and its right to determine its own course away from the consequences of wars imposed on the country.
He acknowledged that the negotiating track would be difficult because of the balance of power, Israeli calculations, and broader regional and international complexities, while dismissing criticism of direct negotiations by noting Lebanon had engaged in direct talks with Israel since 1949.
Aoun also said the framework agreement offers an opportunity to recover rights and gains lost during the war, citing current U.S. engagement and Washington’s ability to press Israel to overcome remaining obstacles.
The framework agreement was signed on June 26 following a fifth round of negotiations held in Washington, according to SANA’s account from Beirut on July 10.
Protests and competing demands
Middle East Eye reported that the framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon mediated by the US has led to anger in Lebanon, with people taking to the streets to protest the government over the demand for Hezbollah to disarm in exchange for Israel withdrawing their troops occupying Lebanon.
In the same report, Aoun defended the decision to negotiate during ongoing attacks, saying critics “do not deserve a response” while insisting he would not back down from the decision to negotiate.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem urged Aoun to abandon the US-backed framework agreement and pursue only indirect negotiations, warning that the deal would serve Israeli interests at Lebanon’s expense.
Qassem said, “I guide you towards a solution: we accept negotiations with you, but indirect negotiations,” and he argued that the priority is restoring sovereignty and removing the Israeli presence.
The dispute, as described by Middle East Online, centers on the agreement signed on June 26 that does not set a timetable for an Israeli withdrawal and instead links the process to the Lebanese army taking full security responsibility in areas vacated by Israeli forces and the disarmament of armed groups, particularly Hezbollah.
Rome talks and stakes
Ynetnews said Israel and Lebanon are expected to hold talks in Rome next week on implementing the framework of understandings reached between the sides in Washington, and it cited a U.S. official saying a pilot phase is expected to begin within days.
The U.S. official quoted by Ynetnews said, “The first pilot zone will launch in a matter of days,” and it added that CENTCOM is coordinating with both countries to move forward.
Ynetnews also reported that Aoun is scheduled to travel to Washington on July 21 for a meeting with President Donald Trump, and it said Aoun linked Lebanon’s continued participation in talks with Israel to the start of an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Middle East Online reported that Lebanon’s Health Ministry said on Wednesday that the death toll from Israeli attacks since March 2, 2026 had risen to 4,321, with 12,203 people wounded.
Against that backdrop, Hezbollah’s Naim Qassem accused Washington of “exhausting Lebanon with demands that serve the Israeli enemy,” while saying “Without Iran, there would have been no ceasefire,” as the political confrontation over the framework agreement continues.
