This text has been automatically translated, it may contain errors or inaccuracies.
THE NEAR EAST
Favorite
Remove from my list

The Lebanese President considers it "essential" that Israel withdraw to allow a ceasefire

Armed clashes between the two sides have already left nearly 2,000 dead and more than a million displaced. Netanyahu's government has justified the armed attacks by launching rockets from the Islamist group.

Malkia (Israel), 14/04/2026.- Smoke billows following an Israeli airstrike in the southern Lebanon village of Bent Jbeil, as seen from Malkia, Israel 14 April 2026. (Líbano) EFE/EPA/ATEF SAFADI

Israel's armed offensive in southern Lebanon. Photo: EFE

Lebanese President JosephAoun stressed today, Thursday, that a possible ceasefire with Israel will be "key" to the withdrawal of Israeli troops deployed in southern Lebanon so that the local army can regain control of the border strip.

"The withdrawal of the Israeli armed forces from Lebanese territoryis essential to enable a ceasefire and the deployment of the Lebanese Army to international borders, with full deployment of State authority and an end to any armed presence, "Aoun said.

Following the outbreak of armed conflict with Israel in early March, the Lebanese authorities have hardened their opposition to the Shia group Hezbollah and the need to disarm it.

In this context, the President of Liban spoke on the phone today, Thursday, with US Secretary of StateMarco Rubio , in order to allow a ceasefire before continuing talks.

"Lebanon's demand for a ceasefire with Israel will be the first step towardsstarting direct negotiations between bi countries, "said Aoun, who has been promoting this idea since the beginning of the armed conflict on March 2.

In this regard, the Lebanese President has reiterated his "commitment" to "stop the escalationin the south and in all regions of Lebanon "and has stressed the need to stop once and for all the attacks on" innocent civilians "and" the destruction of housing in the towns and cities of Lebanon ".

Attacks don't stop in the south.

The Israeli Defense Forces (FDI) and the Shia group Hezbollah have again engaged in "violent clashes"this morning on the southern border of Lebanon.

The attacks have taken place at a time of great uncertainty. Bi armed clashes between the parties have already left nearly 2,000 dead and more than a million displaced . Netanyahu's government has justified the armed attacks by firing rockets from the Islamist group.

Israel refuses to include Lebanon in the ceasefire that the US and Iran agreed to last week .

You might like

Paris (FRA), 17/04/2026.- (L-R) Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, France's President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz give a joint statement after an international summit to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, at the Elysee Palace, in Paris, France, 17 April 2026. (Francia, Reino Unido) EFE/EPA/MICHEL EULER / POOL MAXPPP OUT
18:00 - 20:00
LIVE
From  min.

The EU says the opening of Ormuz is good news but insists that travel must be free

"The imposition of tolls for transit would set a dangerous precedent," said the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Kaja Kallas. On the other hand, in the context of the crisis and convened by France and the United Kingdom, 50 countries and international organizations have met in Paris. They have announced the launch of a "neutral" maritime mission to "assist and protect" ships passing through the Persian Gulf.

Load more