Lebanon President says Israeli withdrawal ‘non-negotiable’
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon is a 'non-negotiable' demand that will be pursued through negotiations. He emphasized that the ongoing Israeli attacks and occupation are unacceptable and that the Lebanese state must work towards liberation. Aoun's comments come ahead of a new round of US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel.
- ▪President Joseph Aoun declared Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon as a non-negotiable demand.
- ▪Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem opposed direct talks with Israel and called for the government's resignation if it cannot guarantee sovereignty.
- ▪Lebanon and Israel are preparing for a fourth round of US-brokered negotiations in early June.
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Lebanon President says Israeli withdrawal ‘non-negotiable’Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxLebanese President Joseph Aoun said that negotiations were "neither a concession nor a surrender".PHOTO: REUTERSPublished May 25, 2026, 04:50 PMUpdated May 25, 2026, 04:50 PMBEIRUT – Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on May 25 said Israel’s withdrawal from the country’s south was a “non-negotiable” demand that the authorities would pursue through negotiations, days ahead of a new round of talks in Washington.In a statement commemorating Israel’s previous withdrawal from south Lebanon in 2000 after some two decades of occupation, Mr Aoun said that “this year, the anniversary of the liberation comes as Lebanon is weighed down by a painful reality”.“Israeli attacks have not stopped…
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