joseph aoun

Israel’s Goals and Challenges in the New Hezbollah War

Hezbollah’s opening of a front from Lebanon in support of Iran was not a surprise for Israel, which is again discussing the forcible dismantling of the organization. It remains unclear whether Lebanon is ready to disarm Hezbollah, and whether Israel will be able to do so itself. The new war is escalating, one that Israel and Hezbollah have ...

Lebanon Calls for Renewed Negotiations as Israeli Strikes Escalate

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Monday urged major international powers to push for renewed negotiations aimed at halting Israel’s escalating military campaign in Lebanon, as cross-border fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah continues to intensify. Speaking during a meeting with the ambassadors of Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, ...

Israel Is Preparing a Buffer Zone in Southern Lebanon

The President of the Republic, Joseph Aoun, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam informed the ambassadors of the Quintet that the government’s decision banning all military and security activities of Hezbollah will be fully implemented. According to diplomatic sources, including U.S. ambassador Michel Issa, there will be no cessation of Israeli ...

The Moment of Decision: Will Lebanon Choose Peace?

The return of war to Lebanon was neither sudden nor unexpected. On the contrary, it appeared almost inevitable, a consequence of Hezbollah’s rigidity and denial on one hand, and the Lebanese state’s hesitation and accommodation on the other. It followed the trajectory of the political and security developments since the ceasefire that ended ...

Aoun: State Monopoly on Arms “Irreversible”

President Joseph Aoun asserted on Tuesday that the Cabinet’s decision to prohibit illegal military and security activities is a sovereign and final measure that “cannot be reversed,” in reference to Hezbollah’s rocket fire toward Israel. Speaking during a meeting with the Quintet Committee, Aoun reiterated that the government’s ...

Cabinet Demands Hezbollah Disarm “Immediately”

In an extraordinary session held at Baabda Palace, Lebanon’s Council of Ministers on Monday adopted sweeping decisions aimed at asserting state authority over armed activity within Lebanese territory, following renewed rocket launches from southern Lebanon and escalating regional tensions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced that the ...

Lebanon, France Postpone Paris Security and Disarmament Conference Amid Regional Tension

Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed in a phone call on March 1 to postpone the international conference in Paris, originally scheduled for March 5, which aimed to support Lebanon’s security forces and advance disarmament of non-state armed groups. The leaders cited the absence of appropriate ...

After Khamenei’s Killing, Will Hezbollah Enter the War?

Israeli officials claim that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has been killed in a joint U.S.–Israeli strike, shifting global attention toward Lebanon amid fears of regional escalation. The question now dominating security circles is whether Hezbollah will enter the confrontation in support of Tehran.  Analysts have ...

Lebanon Signals Interest in Joining IMEC Trade Corridor

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has communicated to French President Emmanuel Macron expressing Lebanon’s interest in joining the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). As a signatory to the IMEC agreement, Lebanon is asking France to petition Lebanon’s integration into the corridor.  “Lebanon is ready to engage ...

German President Urges Swift Hezbollah Disarmament

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Monday called for the “swift” disarmament of Hezbollah, stressing during talks with President Joseph Aoun that restoring full state authority in Lebanon is essential for long-term stability. In his remarks following their meeting, Steinmeier said Israeli forces must also withdraw from ...

French FM: Iran Must Stop Being a 'Destabilizing Power'

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said during a visit to Lebanon that Iran should stop being a "destabilizing power", citing its nuclear program and support for "terrorist" groups that threaten regional and European countries. During a press conference in Beirut, where the government has committed to disarming the ...

Aoun: Exclusivity of Weapons Is a Non-Negotiable

President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday said that the renewed confidence and support of foreign countries toward Lebanon is a natural outcome of ongoing efforts to rebuild the state on solid foundations, stressing that the rule of law and the exclusivity of weapons remain irreversible pillars of his agenda. In his remarks during a meeting with a ...