Tense Israel-Lebanon ceasefire holds in potential boost for Iran war peace deal prospects

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun told a group of Lebanese lawmakers Friday, hours into his country’s ceasefire agreement with Israel, that his goal “is to consolidate the ceasefire, ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied southern territories, secure the release of prisoners, and address outstanding border disputes,” according to a statement released by his office.

“The ceasefire is the gateway to moving forward with negotiations and is a path supported domestically and internationally,” Aoun said. “Among its most notable signs is what U.S. President Donald Trump announced during yesterday’s phone call, expressing support for Lebanon, its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, as well as the United States standing with the Lebanese people to end their suffering, restore recovery, and reactivate the economy, which has been negatively affected by the recent war.”

Aoun told lawmakers Lebanon’s army would “play a fundamental role after the withdrawal of Israeli forces by deploying up to the southern international border [with Israel], ending armed manifestations, and reassuring southerners returning to their villages and towns that no armed forces will be present except the army and legitimate security forces.”

Aoun did not mention Hezbollah by name. Southern Lebanon was long a stronghold for the Iran-backed group, which had exchanged intense fire with Israel during the Iran war until the current 10-day ceasefire took effect at midnight local time, which was 5 p.m. Eastern on Thursday.

“The Lebanese people, who have endured much in recent years, now face a new reality supported by Arab and international backing. This opportunity must not be wasted, as it may not be repeated,” Aoun said.