Ceasefire is a 'natural entry point' for direct Israel-Lebanon talks, says president

A ceasefire with Israel will be a “natural entry point for direct negotiations" with Lebanon, according to President Joseph Aoun.

In a statement shared on social media, Aoun said that Lebanon was "keen to halt the escalation in the south and in all Lebanese regions so that the targeting of the innocent and the secure – women, men, and children – ceases, and the destruction of homes in Lebanese villages and towns stops."

"The withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territories is an essential step to consolidate the ceasefire” said Aoun, adding that the country’s army should be redeployed “up to the international borders” to “end any manifestation of armed presence”.