Lebanese president urges end to Israeli attacks, warns against military solution

By Wassim Seifeddine and Ikram Kouachi

BEIRUT / ISTANBUL (AA) - Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday called for an end to Israeli attacks on Lebanon and reaffirmed his country’s commitment to diplomatic and negotiated solutions.

“Permanent stability cannot be achieved through military force alone,” Aoun said during a meeting with German Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development Reem Alabali-Radovan and her delegation at the presidential palace, according to a statement from his media office.

He called for “greater European support” for the Lebanese army and security institutions, describing such assistance as “a direct investment in the stability of Lebanon and the region.”

Regarding southern Lebanon, Aoun stressed the need to halt Israeli attacks, saying Lebanon had raised four key issues: a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, border demarcation and the issue of prisoners.

He said “no required progress had been achieved on these matters so far.”

On June 26, Lebanon and Israel signed a US-sponsored framework agreement providing for a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, the deployment of the Lebanese army and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

Despite the agreement, Israel has continued its attacks on southern Lebanon.

- Reforms and reconstruction

On the economic front, Aoun said Lebanon was continuing to work with the International Monetary Fund to complete reforms. He expressed hope that Germany would contribute to reconstruction within a framework led by the World Bank.

He called for a shift from emergency aid to a sustainable development partnership and urged greater German private-sector investment.

Lebanon is seeking a lending program with the IMF, which requires banking, economic and financial reforms. Talks have yet to be concluded despite a series of steps taken by Lebanese authorities.

Alabali-Radovan said her visit came at a difficult time and reaffirmed Germany’s support for reforms, effective state institutions and improved conditions for vulnerable groups.

On the future of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), she said there should be “no vacuum,” noting that the force’s future falls under the authority of the UN Security Council. She also reaffirmed Germany’s desire to support the Lebanese army.

UNIFIL has been deployed in southern Lebanon since 1978 under UN Security Council resolutions to monitor the cessation of hostilities and help maintain security and stability.

UNIFIL’s mandate is due to expire at the end of 2026. Lebanon has urged maintaining an international presence in the south, viewing it as an important element of stability.

Ikrame Imane Kouachi