Lebanon pushes full ceasefire before Israel talks

Lebanon’s leadership has intensified its diplomatic messaging toward Israel and the international community by insisting that any direct negotiations with Israel must be preceded by the full implementation of the ceasefire agreement currently under strain along the southern border.

President Joseph Aoun’s latest remarks reflect growing concern in Beirut that continued Israeli military operations and ongoing exchanges with Hezbollah could undermine both the fragile truce and the broader political process being pursued under American sponsorship.

At the same time, Lebanon is witnessing a widening internal debate over how to manage negotiations with Israel, particularly amid Hezbollah’s opposition to the process, evolving into a test of Lebanon’s political cohesion, sovereignty, and future regional alignment.

Aoun links negotiations to ceasefire compliance

President Joseph Aoun stated clearly that Israel must “fully implement” the ceasefire before any meaningful negotiations can begin. According to the Lebanese presidency, Aoun stressed that continued Israeli attacks and military operations are incompatible with the diplomatic track currently under discussion.

The Lebanese president said Beirut was waiting for the United States (U.S.) to determine a date for the start of direct negotiations with Israel, indicating that Washington remains the primary mediator between the two sides. Aoun argued that security cannot be imposed through military force alone, warning that Israel’s continued destruction of villages in southern Lebanon would not produce long-term stability.

His comments came as tensions remain high despite the U.S.-mediated ceasefire agreement that entered into force earlier this month and was subsequently extended. Although the truce temporarily reduced the scale of hostilities, clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah fighters have continued, with each side accusing the other of violating the agreement.

Aoun’s position reflects an attempt to balance Lebanon’s desire for diplomatic engagement with domestic anger (especially from Hezbollah and the Amal Movement) over ongoing Israeli operations in southern Lebanon. It also underscores Beirut’s effort to frame negotiations as part of a broader path toward regional de-escalation rather than as a unilateral political concession.

Internal Lebanese divisions over negotiations

Behind the official Lebanese position lies a complicated internal political landscape. Efforts are currently underway to unify the Lebanese state’s approach to possible negotiations with Israel, amid differing views among major political factions.

A meeting bringing together President Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam was expected to focus on consolidating Lebanon’s negotiating stance and managing the political sensitivities surrounding direct talks with Israel; however, it was later cancelled.

Hezbollah remains deeply skeptical of the process and has reportedly opposed efforts that could normalize political engagement with Israel outside the framework of resistance and deterrence. The group has been accused of conducting a systematic campaign against both Aoun and Salam, despite the broad support the two leaders currently enjoy among many political parties and civil society groups.

In this context, Israeli media reports citing discussions within the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee claimed that President Aoun’s life could be at risk because of the negotiations with Israel.

The tensions reflect a broader struggle over Lebanon’s political direction. For many of Aoun’s supporters, the current moment represents an opportunity to restore state authority and reduce the influence of armed non-state actors over national decision-making.

Israel and the United States seek to preserve the truce

On the Israeli side, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar attempted to reassure Lebanon by stating that Israel has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. He said Israeli military deployments along the northern border are intended solely to protect Israeli citizens from Hezbollah attacks.

Nevertheless, Israeli military operations have continued, including airstrikes and ground activities targeting Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon. Israel argues that Hezbollah continues to violate the ceasefire through rocket and drone attacks against Israeli positions and border communities.

The U.S. has emerged as the key actor trying to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire. According to reports, President Donald Trump personally warned Netanyahu against escalating the conflict into a broader war. Trump reportedly urged the Israeli prime minister to limit military operations to precise strikes and avoid widespread destruction that could damage Israel’s international image.

I told Netanyahu that he must carry out the order with greater caution, not destroy buildings. He cannot do that. It is absolutely terrible and damages Israel’s image.

Trump also expressed support for Lebanon and its leadership, saying he believed the country could recover despite years of political and economic crises. He blamed both Iran and Hezbollah for Lebanon’s deterioration, arguing that weakening Tehran’s regional influence would eventually weaken Hezbollah as well.

American officials insist that Hezbollah is attempting to sabotage the ceasefire by provoking Israeli responses while portraying Israel as responsible for the breakdown of negotiations. At the same time, Washington has reportedly urged Israel to exercise restraint and allow diplomacy to continue.

Hence, although the U.S. continues to mediate between Beirut and Tel Aviv, the success of the process remains uncertain, as it depends largely on the durability of the ceasefire and the willingness of all parties to prioritize diplomacy over escalation.