Lebanon president says Israel deal first step to restoring sovereignty

By AFP 26 June 2026, 11:10 pm

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Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says the deal signed with Israel on Friday is a first step toward fully restoring his country’s sovereignty after the latest war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

“The framework agreement signed today is a first step” that will enable Lebanese “to return to their fully liberated lands, and to their certainly rebuilt homes… under the sovereignty of the Lebanese state that has no partner in its sovereignty over its land and people,” Aoun says according to a statement released by his office.

“We swear to continue to work until this is fully achieved. There will be no more occupation, prisoners, subordination or tutelage,” he adds.