Aoun Says Lebanon Seeks Israel Security Deal as Step Toward Peace

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon wants a security agreement with Israel after Israeli troops withdraw, aiming to end hostilities and deploy the Lebanese army along the border. He described such an accord as a possible step toward a later peace agreement, while saying Lebanon could not move directly to peace. Aoun reaffirmed that Hezbollah's disarmament is not negotiable but should proceed peacefully, without internal confrontation or another civil war. He also sought international support for the Lebanese army and a temporary force to prevent a southern security vacuum after UNIFIL's mandate expires on December 31, 2026.