Lebanon plan to halt attacks wins support

22/11/2025

KUWAIT CITY, Nov 22: The five-point initiative announced by the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to halt repeated Israeli attacks has received support locally, across the Arab world, and internationally, reports Al-Seyassah daily. Several Lebanese politicians and analysts view President Aoun’s recent speech as reflecting a position of strength, determination, and resolve to protect Lebanon and its people from aggression. They highlighted that choosing southern Lebanon as the venue for his speech, coinciding with the 82nd anniversary of independence, sent a message of reassurance to the Lebanese people and affirmed to the world Lebanon’s control over its entire territory.

Observers noted that the initiative conveys to all parties, both inside and outside Lebanon, the message that the Lebanese army is now the sole entity responsible for protecting the country, and that its efforts have restored security and normalcy in all parts of the country.

Therefore, the Lebanese president stressed in his speech, “This land has been exhausted by attacks and by the absence of the state, yet it has persevered and will rise again with the return of the state, under one authority, one flag, and one decision. The path to independence begins with the presence of the state, not its absence; with its sovereignty, not its duality; and with the liberation of every inch of Lebanese land.”

Observers noted that President Aoun’s affirmation of “the Lebanese army’s readiness to take over the occupied southern border points and the Lebanese state's readiness to immediately present the five-member committee with a clear and specific timetable for the handover” was intended to highlight to the world Lebanon’s desire to resolve the conflict peacefully, thereby avoiding further harm and losses for both sides. He thus presented the other party with two options - accepting the handover either gradually or all at once. In doing so, President Aoun underscored his commitment to ensuring stability and security in Lebanon.

The second clause stated, “The Lebanese Armed Forces are ready to take control of the border points immediately upon the cessation of all violations and attacks, and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from all points.”

The observers noted that President Aoun used this clause to clarify the strength and full capability of the Lebanese army, and highlight its ability to maintain complete stability. However, he emphasized that the handover of the points would occur only after the attacks ceased, and reaffirmed that his initiative originates from a position of strength.

In the third clause, President Aoun stressed, “The five-member committee is tasked with verifying in the area south of the Litani River that the Lebanese Armed Forces alone control and extend their authority through their own forces.”

The observers stated that President Aoun is affirming to all parties, through the “five-member committee", the strength and control of the Lebanese army in implementing any agreement, and that Lebanon is no longer the same as before.

The fourth clause stipulated that the Lebanese state is ready to negotiate, under UN, US, or joint international auspices, any agreement that establishes a formula for a permanent cessation of cross-border attacks.

The observers noted that President Joseph Aoun, in the fourth clause, affirmed his confidence, willingness, and flexibility in negotiating with any international party to oversee the drafting of the terms and conditions of any agreement to be concluded in this regard, underscoring his deep concern for Lebanon’s interest and security. President Aoun also aimed to send a message of reassurance to all parties, emphasizing the Lebanese leadership’s commitment to implementing whatever is agreed upon, whether by Lebanon or the other party.

Commenting on the fifth clause, international observers affirmed that President Joseph Aoun is engaging with brotherly Arab and Gulf states, as well as countries friendly to Lebanon, and is opening the door for them to participate in sponsoring this process by setting clear and confirmed timelines for an international mechanism to support the Lebanese army.

The observers noted that this approach allows brotherly and friendly countries to assist in rebuilding what the war has destroyed in Lebanon, thereby expediting the achievement of the ultimate and unwavering national goal of confining all weapons to the Lebanese state and asserting its sovereignty over all its territory.

They described the initiative launched by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, if implemented, as one that would restore security and stability to Lebanon, which has long suffered the consequences of regional conflict, as well as the suffering of the Lebanese people represented by martyrs, the wounded, the destruction of public and private institutions, and the economic losses. The development and reform process has also been hindered.

Since assuming his duties as President of Lebanon, Aoun has achieved many tangible economic accomplishments. The observers said Joseph Aoun affirmed that, as President of Lebanon, he would always stand where the interest of the nation and its people dictates, not in the interest of any particular party, group, or sect.

President Aoun emphasized that everyone must relinquish any personal affiliations or interests and that Lebanon should be an umbrella for all, without exception.

In the same speech, President Aoun highlighted an important point, saying, “We stand here on the land of the South to tell those who refuse to acknowledge what has happened that times have changed, circumstances have shifted, and Lebanon is weary and tired of statelessness. The Lebanese people are tired of the projects of mini-states, and the world is almost tired of us. We can no longer live in the absence of a state.”

This message places upon the Lebanese people the responsibility of standing with the legitimate authority of the state.

Therefore, President Aoun stressed that the matter is not only about the state's monopoly over weapons and the decision of war and peace, important as that is, but also about ensuring that the loyalty of every Lebanese citizen is devoted solely to their homeland.

He highlighted the importance of citizens’ allegiance to the constitution and the laws of the state so that the culture of the state becomes a way of life, encompassing all aspects of daily living for all citizens in the entire Lebanese territory.