Lebanon accuses Israel of responding to negotiation offer by ‘intensifying’ attacks

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun accuses Israel of responding to its offer to negotiate by intensifying its airstrikes, the latest of which killed a man riding a motorbike in southern Lebanon.

Aoun called for negotiations with Israel in mid-October, after US President Donald Trump brokered a ceasefire in Gaza.

“Lebanon is ready for negotiations to end the Israeli occupation, but any negotiation… requires mutual willingness, which is not the case,” Aoun says.

Israel “is responding to this option by carrying out more attacks against Lebanon… and intensifying tensions,” he adds during a meeting with German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

Wadephul offers his support, stating that he would urge his Israeli counterpart Gideon Sa’ar to withdraw Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.

“Israel must withdraw. I understand that Israel has security needs… But in fact, we now need a process of mutual trust-building,” the German minister says.

Wadephul also encouraged the Lebanese government to ensure there is “a credible, transparent and rapid process of disarming Hezbollah.”

He acknowledges that it is “a mammoth task” but contended it is “a basic prerequisite for this country to experience stability and for there to be no further conflict with Israel.”

Meanwhile, Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi asks his visiting German counterpart to “help put pressure on Israel to stop its attacks.”

“Only a diplomatic solution, not a military one, can ensure stability and guarantee calm in the south,” Raggi is quoted by the NNA as saying.

He added that “the Lebanese government is continuing to gradually implement its decision to place all weapons under its control.”