Beirut, April 18: Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has declared that the nation is entering a new phase focused on negotiating a permanent agreement to safeguard the rights of its people, territorial unity, and national sovereignty.
Addressing the Lebanese populace, President Aoun stated that the country is moving beyond efforts to implement a ceasefire and is advancing towards a significant stage aimed at maintaining long-term stability. He expressed confidence that, similar to previous efforts, these initiatives will help save Lebanon.
According to reports from the Xinhua News Agency, Aoun credited the ceasefire to the collective efforts and sacrifices of the Lebanese people, including those living in frontline areas. He emphasized the importance of continuous diplomatic engagement with international and regional partners.
Aoun clarified that negotiations do not signify weakness or retreat; rather, they represent a sovereign decision to protect Lebanon’s interests, prevent loss of life, and end displacement.
Discussing the heavy toll of the conflict, President Aoun noted that thousands of Lebanese have lost their lives and vowed that no more lives should be sacrificed for foreign interests or political calculations. He stated, “I am ready to take full responsibility for these decisions.”
He outlined the primary objectives for the upcoming phase, which include stopping Israeli attacks on Lebanese territory, ensuring the withdrawal of Israeli forces, securing the return of prisoners, facilitating the safe return of displaced citizens, and restoring full governmental authority across all Lebanese regions.
Aoun also called for national unity under a single government authority, constitution, and military, warning against internal divisions and external agendas.
Meanwhile, a senior member of Hezbollah’s Political Council, Wafiq Safa, told BBC Arabic in Beirut that there can be no negotiations regarding the group’s arsenal.
Safa asserted, “Hezbollah will never relinquish its weapons. We cannot discuss Hezbollah’s arms until there is a halt to attacks, the withdrawal of Israel, the return of prisoners, and the resettlement of displaced individuals.”
He cautioned that Hezbollah will not recognize any ceasefire similar to the one implemented in November 2024. It is noteworthy that the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, which was established in 2024, broke down on March 2, 2026, when Hezbollah launched rockets towards Israel in support of Iran, leading to intensified Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon.
The ten-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon took effect at midnight local time on Thursday and Friday (2100 GMT), aiming to alleviate the severe tension between Israel and Hezbollah. The Lebanese Ministry of Public Health reported on Friday that 2,294 people have died due to Hezbollah’s actions, including 100 paramedics and healthcare workers.
Earlier on Friday, Hezbollah’s Loyalty to the Resistance Bloc informed Al Jadeed TV that it is cautiously prepared for a new ceasefire, emphasizing that adherence is contingent upon the ceasefire covering all Lebanese territories.
In the meantime, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that while Israel is willing to pursue an integrated diplomatic and military solution with the Lebanese government, it has not yet completed its operations against Hezbollah.
Despite the new ceasefire, Lebanon’s Al-Manar TV reported that Israel conducted a drone strike in southern Lebanon on Friday, resulting in one fatality.
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