Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun has told a United Nations Security Council delegation that his country does not seek war with Israel, following civilian talks between the two sides, the first in decades.
Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, whose group has refused to disarm, expressed support for Lebanon’s diplomatic efforts but criticized the inclusion of a civilian representative in the discussions, calling it a “misstep.”
Aoun emphasized that the Lebanese people “do not want war again” and have suffered enough, urging the UN to support the Lebanese army’s plan to disarm non-state groups. The army expects to complete the first phase of its plan by year-end. “The Lebanese army will play its full role… the international community must support and assist it,” Aoun said. He stressed there will be “no going back” on the decision, even if it takes time, as the Lebanese are weary of military confrontations.
Despite a ceasefire intended to end more than a year of hostilities between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah, Israel has continued strikes on Lebanon and maintained troops in five strategic southern areas.
Civilian representatives from Lebanon and Israel recently joined a committee to monitor the ceasefire, a move Aoun described as essential to avoiding another war. Qassem said Hezbollah supports the state’s decision to pursue diplomacy but criticized the civilian involvement, warning that it will not alter Israel’s position or aggression.
Aoun urged the delegation to pressure Israel to uphold the ceasefire and withdraw, noting that the success of talks depends largely on Israel’s cooperation. A new round of committee talks, including civilian representatives, is scheduled for later this month.
The UN delegation visited Damascus before meeting Lebanese officials and will inspect the southern border alongside US envoy Morgan Ortagus. After the meetings, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, an ally of Hezbollah, called Israel’s daily violations “unacceptable,” urging adherence to UN Resolution 1701.
Recent Israeli strikes on southern Lebanese towns targeted Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapons depots. UN peacekeepers described the attacks as “clear violations” of Security Council resolutions and reported minor incidents of their vehicles being fired upon, though there were no injuries. Hezbollah has not yet responded to the strikes but has promised action after the killing of its military chief in a recent attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
