Lebanese president: A ceasefire is necessary ‘first step’ for negotiations with Israel

President Joseph Aoun’s office has updated the government’s position on the war in Lebanon and future negotiations with Israel. “We informed the American side conducting the efforts – appreciated – and from the very first moment, that a ceasefire is a necessary first step for any subsequent negotiations” with Israel, he said, adding that this had been clearly stated by the US State Department,” he posted on X. Aoun quoted the US statement: “Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian and military targets and other state targets in Lebanese territory by land, sea, and air.”