Lebanese President: Israel is responding to negotiation offers by carrying out more attacks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Friday accused 'Israel' of responding to Lebanon’s readiness for talks by intensifying its air attacks, the latest of which killed a man riding a motorbike in southern Lebanon.

Despite a ceasefire brokered in November 2024 with Hezbollah, 'Israel' continues to maintain troops in five areas of southern Lebanon and has conducted regular air strikes. Aoun had proposed negotiations with 'Israel' in mid-October following US-brokered efforts in Gaza.

“Lebanon is ready for negotiations to end the Israeli occupation, but any negotiation... requires mutual willingness, which is not the case,” Aoun said during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul. “Israel is responding to this option by carrying out more attacks against Lebanon... and intensifying tensions.”

Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that an 'Israeli' drone strike targeted a man on a motorbike in Kunin, killing him and wounding another. The 'Israeli' military claimed it targeted “a Hezbollah maintenance officer” attempting to restore the group’s infrastructure. This strike followed the killing of a municipal worker in Blida the previous day.

Aoun has ordered the Lebanese army to confront such incursions.

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi called on Germany to help pressure 'Israel' to halt attacks, emphasizing a diplomatic solution over military action. He noted that the Lebanese government is gradually implementing plans to place all weapons under state control, a measure opposed by Hezbollah and its allies.