Lebanon President Aoun Announces Israel Talks Aimed at Ending Military Presence in South

Gate News message, April 20 — Lebanese President Joseph Aoun announced today that upcoming negotiations with Israel will be led by former Lebanese Ambassador to the United States Simon Karam. Aoun emphasized that no other party should participate in or replace Lebanon's position in the talks, and stated the negotiations aim to stop hostilities, end Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon, and deploy Lebanese forces to the internationally recognized southern border.

Aoun noted that U.S. President Trump has shown "full understanding and positive response" to Lebanon's requests. He outlined two paths for Lebanon: either continue the war and face humanitarian, social, economic, and sovereignty consequences, or end the conflict through negotiations and achieve sustainable stability. "I have chosen negotiations," Aoun said.

The president added that all parties will continue communicating to maintain the ceasefire and advance the start of talks, stressing that the process requires broad national support to enable the negotiating team to achieve its objectives.