Lebanese President addresses Israel: “We are tired of war. We want peace”

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, in an interview with CNN, made a direct appeal to the citizens and leadership of Israel, saying that it is impossible to ensure the security of the inhabitants of the Israeli north by military means.

“We are tired of war. We want peace. The Lebanese people deserve peace and dignity so that their houses are not destroyed every five to ten years,” the head of state said. “Israel can take over the entire country, raze it to the ground, but it will still not achieve its goals,” Aoun added.

Lebanon and Israel are holding direct negotiations through US mediation. Attempts were made to arrange a meeting between Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The Lebanese president said that such a summit would only be possible after an agreement was reached to end the war.

Aoun emphasized that at this stage we are talking about the end of hostilities, and not about a peace agreement. “But ending the war can be a step towards a just and lasting peace,” the politician said.