Moments before direct Israel-Lebanon talks began in Washington, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Tuesday he hoped negotiations would mark “the beginning of the end of the suffering of the Lebanese in general, and of the people of the south in particular,” following weeks of war between Israel and Hezbollah.
“Stability will not be restored in southern Lebanon as long as Israel continues to occupy territories there,” he added, stressing that “the only solution is for the Lebanese army to redeploy up to the borders recognized by the international community and to be solely responsible for the security of the area and its residents, without partnership with anyone.”
The Lebanese presidency has been more vocal since Hezbollah initiated this round of fighting, formally banning all “military and security activities” by Hezbollah on March 2 and pushing for direct civilian negotiations with Israel since March 8.
Qassem Seeks to Block Movement
Last night, Hezbollah Secretary General Qassem called on Lebanese authorities to cancel the planned meeting on April 14, calling negotiations pointless, and promising Hezbollah would fight on “until their last breath.”
Qassem also called on the Lebanese authorities to “retract its decision to consider [Hezbollah] outsiders,” saying “they are pressuring you to confront your own people.”
Directly before negotiations began, Hezbollah officials warned they would begin striking northern Israel, and minutes later claimed that they had struck 13 northern Israeli towns with simultanous rocket barrages.
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