Aoun Defends Israel-Lebanon Framework as Best Path

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun defended the U.S.-mediated Israel-Lebanon framework as the best available path after years of war failed to solve Lebanon's conflict with Israel. Israeli, Chinese and Lebanese reports say Aoun told critics that Lebanon negotiated as a sovereign state, had neither surrendered nor compromised its rights, and should choose negotiations over another round of destruction. He said the framework can support Israeli withdrawal, displaced residents' return and international backing. For Israel, Aoun's statement is a useful public test: Lebanon can recover sovereignty only by enforcing Hezbollah disarmament and denying Iran a veto over peace.