Lebanon calls for ceasefire talks with Israel as the country urges an immediate halt to all Israeli air, land, and sea attacks against its territory. President Joseph Aoun issued a statement on Monday emphasizing the need for direct negotiations with Israel, backed by international sponsors, to prevent further destruction and stabilize the region.
Aoun also stressed the importance of providing additional logistical and operational support to Lebanon’s armed forces. He made clear that strengthening the military is central to the plan of disarming Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group whose initial rocket attacks triggered the recent escalation. “Simultaneously, Lebanon and Israel must begin direct negotiations under international sponsorship to execute the aforementioned plan,” Aoun said.
The Lebanese presidency accused Hezbollah of deliberately targeting the country, saying the group sought to destabilize Lebanon at the expense of its own people. “Whoever fired the rockets wished to purchase the collapse of the Lebanese, under an assault and chaos, even if that comes at the cost of the destruction of scores of our villages and the fall of hundreds of thousands of our people, all for the sake of the Iranian regime’s calculations,” the statement said. The remarks are among the strongest and clearest condemnations of Hezbollah from a top Lebanese official in recent history.
The human toll from the ongoing strikes has been severe. At least 394 people have died in Lebanon since the beginning of Israel’s offensive earlier this week, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel has said its attacks aim to weaken Hezbollah and eliminate its military infrastructure along the northern border. The conflict highlights Lebanon’s struggle to assert state authority while navigating pressures from Iran-backed groups operating within its borders.
Experts note that Lebanon’s call for direct negotiations with Israel marks a significant shift in the country’s diplomatic approach. By linking military reinforcement to the disarmament of Hezbollah and inviting international mediation, Beirut is signaling a readiness to seek long-term stability, even as violence continues to threaten civilian areas. Analysts argue that these developments could reshape regional power dynamics, as Lebanon attempts to balance internal security with external pressures.
The coming days will test whether these calls for dialogue can reduce immediate violence and establish a framework for disarming Hezbollah without further civilian casualties. The international community is watching closely, aware that the outcomes of such negotiations could set precedent for future conflict resolution in the region.
