Aoun rejects territorial concessions in Israel framework talks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday defended a US-backed framework agreement with Israel, saying Beirut entered talks to secure an Israeli withdrawal and would not give up Lebanese territory. Reaction pending, with the geopolitical risk centered on southern Lebanon, Hezbollah’s response and Israel’s stated plan to keep forces in security zones.

Aoun said the negotiations were not betrayal but a way to avoid further bloodshed, according to the Lebanese presidency. The framework, signed last week, aims to move Lebanon and Israel toward a peace arrangement after a war that Lebanese authorities say has killed more than 4,200 people in Lebanon.

Southern Lebanon security zones

The agreement envisions the Lebanese army gradually extending control over southern Lebanon while Hezbollah disarms and Israel withdraws. Officials said the process has no public timeline and depends on details in an undisclosed security annex.

Israel’s defence minister said Wednesday that Israeli forces would remain “until further notice” in security zones in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip. Israel’s prime minister visited southern Lebanon on Tuesday and said forces would stay while Hezbollah poses a threat.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani visited Beirut to tell Aoun that Damascus had no intention of military intervention in Lebanon, officials said. The visit followed US pressure on Syria to act against Hezbollah and included an invitation for Aoun to visit Syria.

By July 10, 2026, the key test is whether Beirut, Israel and Damascus keep the framework in diplomatic channels or whether Hezbollah protests and Israeli force posture harden the security annex into a new flashpoint.