Lebanese president addresses transition from ceasefire to permanent agreements

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun delivered his first televised address following a U.S.-brokered ceasefire that ended six weeks of hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed group Hezbollah on Thursday. Aoun stated that the current priority is to move from a ceasefire toward permanent agreements that ensure the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon. While the official text of the agreement includes a provision for direct talks aimed at achieving peace between Israel and Lebanon, Aoun did not explicitly confirm a formal peace deal. He emphasized that the planned negotiations do not constitute a sign of weakness or a concession. The president identified the cessation of Israeli attacks and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Lebanese territory as his immediate objectives. Meanwhile, Israel’s defence minister confirmed that Israeli forces will continue to demolish structures in southern Lebanon associated with Hezbollah. Hezbollah lawmakers have expressed opposition to the government's plan for direct negotiations with Israel.