Lebanon’s President Aoun Rules Out Normalization with Israeli Enemy

Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun announced on Friday that the state’s exclusive control over arms “is now a settled and irreversible decision.”

Speaking from the Baabda Presidential Palace during a meeting with a delegation from the Arab and International Relations Council, Aoun emphasized that decisions of war and peace fall strictly under the authority of the Cabinet. He reiterated that Lebanon’s current foreign policy excludes any prospect of normalization with the Israeli enemy.

“Peace, for us, means the absence of war—and that is our immediate concern in Lebanon,” Aoun stated.

He underscored the need for national unity and cooperation among all political factions to safeguard the country and shield it from internal and external conspiracies.

Lebanon’s president also commended Speaker of Parliament Nabih Berri for his role in promoting stability, supporting state-building efforts, and advancing the state’s exclusive right to bear arms.

Regarding relations with Syria, Aoun expressed Lebanon’s commitment to maintaining strong ties with Damascus while stressing mutual respect and non-interference in each other’s domestic affairs.
Council Chief: Arms Remain the Core Obstacle to Reform

Mohammed Jassem Al-Saqr, head of the Arab and International Relations Council, acknowledged Lebanon’s severe challenges but voiced optimism about the availability of solutions.

He described the presidential inaugural address as a clear roadmap for rebuilding the state, though he cautioned that implementation remains difficult—particularly given the unresolved issue of non-state weapons.

President’s Aoun’s remarks came just before the start of a Cabinet session at Baabda Presidential Palace, chaired by President Aoun, where key national issues—including security coordination and foreign relations—are expected to be discussed.