Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Israel’s continued attacks in southern Lebanon are undermining efforts to end the war and restore stability on both sides of the border, while stressing that the authority to negotiate rests exclusively with the Lebanese state. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam likewise reaffirmed the need to consolidate the ceasefire and secure a full Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory as soon as possible. Sixth round of talks next week? Ministerial sources said the Lebanese presidency has not been officially notified of a new date for Lebanese-Israeli negotiations. They also denied reports that Aoun’s visit to the United States had been scheduled for July 21, telling Asharq Al-Awsat that the trip is expected to take place before the end of the month but that no official date has been communicated. Their comments came after an Italian Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced Tuesday that the sixth round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations would be held in Rome on July 15-16. Diplomatic efforts continue on several fronts to overcome obstacles delaying the start of Israel’s withdrawal from the designated pilot zones. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said during a joint press conference in Jerusalem with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul: “Less than two weeks ago, Israel, Lebanon, and the United States reached a historic framework agreement, and these talks are scheduled to continue next week in Rome.” Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani welcomed the upcoming round, saying on X that Rome’s selection reflects Italy’s diplomatic role and commitment to promoting dialogue and regional stability. Aoun calls for pressure on Israel Aoun renewed his appeal to the US and other friendly countries to pressure Israel to respect the ceasefire. He also expressed sorrow over Monday’s Israeli strike on a vehicle in Nabatieh that killed four people, including the principal of a public school in the town of Nabatieh al-Fawqa. He stressed that his decision to enter negotiations was driven by the goal of achieving stability, ending the war, and removing the occupation. While acknowledging that implementing the framework agreement would be a lengthy and difficult process, Aoun said Lebanon hopes to begin seeing parts of the agreement implemented soon. “We have succeeded in curbing Israeli attacks and reducing their intensity, even if we have not yet achieved a complete end to the war,” he stated, adding that Lebanon had secured an Israeli acknowledgment that it has no territorial ambitions in Lebanon. “No one will negotiate on Lebanon’s behalf” Aoun accused some domestic opponents of deliberately misrepresenting the framework agreement and rejecting it regardless of official explanations affirming that Lebanon has not compromised its sovereignty or territorial rights. “I will not, under any circumstances, accept anyone negotiating on Lebanon’s behalf,” he said. “Lebanon’s sovereignty requires an independent political decision. Our fundamental problem is with Israel, and we must resolve it ourselves.” He added that one Lebanese faction, whose choices differ from those of the majority of Lebanese, remains under Iranian influence, seeks to act as an alternative to the state, and negotiates in its name. Separately, Foreign Minister Youssef Raji said the government remains committed to placing all weapons under state authority. He described the framework agreement with Israel as “the beginning of the beginning,” saying its greatest significance lies in establishing an independent Lebanese negotiating track separate from Iran’s, while accusing Tehran of continuing to interfere in Lebanon’s internal affairs. Politically, the Kataeb Party backed swift implementation of the framework agreement, calling for all arms to be placed under state control to facilitate Israel’s withdrawal, the return of displaced residents, and reconstruction. By contrast, Walid Jumblatt, former leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, criticized the agreement, calling it a unilateral arrangement imposed by Israel on Lebanese negotiators with limited legal and diplomatic expertise. He argued that, unlike international treaties, the framework agreement has no explicit commitment to Israeli withdrawal.
