Lebanese President Aoun: The Framework Agreement Will Reclaim the Country's Rights Through Diplomatic Means

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun took a clear stance, refusing to remain silent against the growing criticism in the country regarding the negotiations with Israel and the signed framework agreement. Receiving a delegation led by Lebanese Forces Party leader Samir Geagea at Baabda Palace, Aoun argued that direct negotiations are in Lebanon's interest. Emphasizing a historical fact, Aoun reminded that Lebanon has sat at the table with Israel multiple times since 1949. The President stressed that they will never abandon this negotiation decision, highlighting the importance of the pursued path for the country's sovereignty. He stated that the criticisms were raised with the aim of sabotaging the process.

Expressing that they made a critical choice during a period when regional and international balances are extremely complex, Aoun acknowledged that this decision was not an easy one. Pointing out that factors such as Israel's calculations, the tense relations between Iran and the US, and general regional power balances affect the process, Aoun sincerely expressed the difficulty of the road ahead. However, he argued that this choice strengthens the sovereignty of the Lebanese state and reinforces its right to negotiate independently on its own behalf. Aoun emphasized that this step aims to lift the country out of the devastating consequences of the war imposed on its territory and people. Thus, it is aimed that Lebanon will not pay the heavy price of conflicts entered into under the direction of foreign actors again.

It is stated that the signed framework agreement will provide significant gains for Lebanon if Israel strictly adheres to its clauses and it is successfully implemented. President Aoun expressed his belief that thanks to this diplomatic step, his country will reclaim its rights in the international arena through peaceful means. The interest shown by the current US administration in the matter and the effective pressure Washington can exert on Israel are considered a significant opportunity for the process to succeed. Aoun argued that this opportunity offers a unique chance to compensate for the gains lost in a 'meaningless war.' He pointed out that the primary aim of the criticisms is to turn the Lebanese file back into a bargaining chip in Iran's hands.

These historic contacts between the parties were shaped by the meeting of both countries' ambassadors in Washington on April 14 and 23 under US mediation. The first meeting, held at the US Department of State, went on record as the highest-level direct meeting since 1993, according to diplomatic circles. Following these meetings, with the completion of the 5th round of negotiations, an important framework agreement was signed between Lebanon and Israel on June 26. US President Donald Trump's announcement that he would soon host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at the White House revealed the global dimension of the process. These developments appear to have the potential to open the doors to a new era of diplomacy in the Middle East.

On the other hand, the issue of direct negotiations with Israel has created a deep polarization in Lebanon's domestic politics and public opinion. President Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam see these negotiations as the only legitimate option for stopping the bloodshed and bringing lasting peace to the region. However, Hezbollah and its political allies describe direct diplomatic contacts as 'capitulation' and firmly oppose the process. This opposition indicates that the framework agreement could lead to serious political crises within Lebanon during its implementation phase. The future of this complex equation, which also involves regional actors, will depend on the agreement's resilience on the ground and how the domestic political balances will shape up.