Lebanese president says ceasefire is an opportunity for stability

Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has called on the people in his country to see the ceasefire with Israel as an opportunity to promote stability and reconstruction after weeks of renewed heavy fighting.

“The Lebanese people, who have endured so much in recent years, now face a new reality,” Aoun told members of parliament on Friday.

A ceasefire came into effect in Lebanon overnight, after more than six weeks of fresh fighting between Israel and the Lebanese Hezbollah militia, which saw mutual attacks as well as Israeli ground forces in southern Lebanon.

Aoun said the Lebanese military would extend its presence to the border after the withdrawal of Israeli troops, push back armed groups and allow the population to return to their homes.

He said the aim is to ensure there are no armed forces outside the regular military and legitimate security agencies.

The government in Beirut already committed to disarming Hezbollah under a 2024 ceasefire agreement, but has only made steps towards this, cautious not to trigger unrest as much of Lebanon’s Shiite community continues to support the militia and advocates for it to remain armed.

Observers say the constant Israeli attacks that continued after the 2024 ceasefire took force also hampered the process, as they allowed Hezbollah to further legitimize its existence.

Aoun said consolidating the ceasefire was the top priority. This involves the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from areas in the south, the repatriation of prisoners and the resolution of the ongoing border disputes, he said, calling the current ceasefire a starting point for the continuation of negotiations.