Diplomacy is ‘war without blood’, says Lebanon’s president of 'Israel' talks

• Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met with a delegation from Jezzine to discuss the ongoing conflict and internal displacement.
• Aoun defended the decision to negotiate, citing the need to secure an 'Israeli' withdrawal and the return of detainees.
• He warned against the dangers of local vigilantism, urging citizens to rely on state security forces to maintain stability.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has strongly defended the state's decision to enter negotiations to end the ongoing conflict, characterizing diplomacy as "war without blood."

Speaking to a delegation of lawmakers and mayors from the southern Jezzine district, President Aoun outlined Lebanon's strict conditions for peace and addressed the mounting internal challenges posed by the war and mass displacement.

Seeking peace without surrender

Elaborating on the diplomatic track, President Aoun emphasized that engaging in negotiations does not equate to "concession or surrender." Instead, it is a necessary mechanism for solving deep-rooted problems.

He stated that Lebanon's primary goals at the negotiating table are to halt all hostile attacks, secure a full 'Israeli' withdrawal, and ensure the safe return of detainees.

"Diplomacy is a war without blood, while war is bloodshed, destruction, and ruin," Aoun remarked. He noted that the ultimate aim of these talks is to explore a sustainable peace after decades of death and destruction. Aoun urged citizens to stand firmly behind the state during this critical period, acknowledging that the Lebanese people are fundamentally "tired of these wars."

Internal solidarity and security warnings

Addressing the domestic fallout of the conflict, the President praised the steadfastness of southern residents and the widespread solidarity shown by communities welcoming those displaced from neighboring villages.

He confirmed that the government is actively working with international and humanitarian organizations to increase aid allocations for both displaced individuals and their host communities.

Aoun also issued a clear warning regarding internal stability, cautioning against the concept of "self-security", referring to local vigilantism. He stressed that such practices carry severe risks.

Instead, the President called for unified efforts between the Lebanese Army, official security forces, municipalities, and local residents to consolidate stability while the state works to formally end the war.

Concluding his remarks, Aoun affirmed that it is his absolute duty and responsibility to do everything necessary to achieve lasting security and peace for Lebanon.