President Joseph Aoun defended his handling of Lebanon's framework agreement with Israel, saying it offers the only available path toward ending decades of conflict, securing Israel's withdrawal from Lebanese territory and restoring stability, while firmly rejecting accusations that it amounts to a peace agreement.

Speaking during an informal meeting with a group of journalists at Baabda Palace, Aoun also dismissed concerns about the possibility of renewed civil strife, insisted that the Lebanese Army remains united despite political tensions, and said Lebanon can no longer afford to remain an arena for regional conflicts.

The president, who has faced mounting criticism over the framework, declined to respond directly to the attacks against him, which people close to him described as increasingly crossing the boundaries of acceptable political discourse despite his role as head of state.

According to Annahar newspaper, Aoun was candid in discussing national issues but avoided criticizing political leaders or institutions, stressing instead his commitment to preserving national unity.

Asked whether he feared sectarian unrest, Aoun said the era of civil war was over.

"That chapter belongs to the past," he said. "No one is capable of dragging Lebanon back into civil war or turning back the clock. The Lebanese Army is the guarantor of civil peace."

Addressing criticism of the army, Aoun highlighted its role in maintaining security across the country.

"The army is combating smuggling and drug trafficking in the Bekaa, operating in southern Lebanon, and has achieved significant results south of the Litani River," he said. "It is also securing demonstrations in Beirut, protecting state institutions and citizens, and carrying out its duties under extremely difficult social and economic conditions."

Asked whether a confrontation with Hezbollah or any other political group could divide the military, Aoun rejected the suggestion outright.

"They can look elsewhere for that," he said. "The army is united and steadfast. Officers from the Shiite community have played a full role in preserving security and stability in Beirut, outside the Grand Serail, around state institutions, on the airport road, and throughout Lebanon."

"You can quote me directly: no one can count on divisions within the army. Those are nothing more than fantasies. The army belongs to all Lebanese. It protects security and stability, and it always will."

Aoun also sought to draw a distinction between what he called a "framework" and a formal agreement with Israel.

"I don't even like calling it a framework agreement," he said. "It's simply a framework."

Responding to critics, Aoun said remaining passive in the face of continued conflict was not an option.

"Some people blame me for this framework," he said. "I could simply remain in Baabda Palace and ignore everything. But should I leave my people to die? Should I stand by while these wars continue and watch the destruction unfold?"

The president recalled a recent encounter with a woman from the southern city of Nabatieh while visiting the Marian shrine of Our Lady of Harissa with the first lady.

"She stopped me and burst into tears after telling me her home had been reduced to rubble," he said. "She told me, 'Mr. President, we don't want war. We want peace.'"

"I am not in love with Israel," Aoun added. "But give me another solution—any solution—and I will pursue it. To those who oppose this framework, I am still waiting for an alternative that will get us out of these wars."

Asked about reports of a possible visit to the United States, Aoun confirmed that one was under consideration.

"There will be a visit," he said. "But I am waiting to meet with the U.S. ambassador first. We will discuss all the issues, including a visit to Washington."

Although he has largely refrained from responding publicly to criticism, Aoun praised Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri for helping prevent internal tensions and said he fully supports his efforts.

He also argued that previous Lebanese governments had signed agreements with Israel when required by national interests.

"Others have signed agreements before, whether on maritime border demarcation or even the 1949 Armistice Agreement," he said. "Who was that agreement signed with?"

Aoun stressed that the current document does not constitute a final agreement.

"So far, all we have achieved is a framework," he said.

He praised Lebanon's diplomatic and security negotiating teams, saying they had defended the country's interests during discussions.

"I commend both delegations. They were outstanding and stood their ground against the Israeli negotiating team," he said. "No one can question our commitment to Lebanon's sovereignty, independence, or the territory of southern Lebanon."

The president reiterated that Lebanon would never accept a continued Israeli military presence on its territory.

"We will never accept Israel remaining in Lebanon," he said. "But let us at least try and see where this leads. Then we can judge the results. What I cannot accept is rejecting the framework without offering any alternative while allowing the wars to continue."

"My priorities remain security, stability, sovereignty, and securing Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Those are fundamental principles for me."

Aoun also rejected comparisons between the current framework and the 1983 May 17 Agreement with Israel.

"There is no agreement—only a framework," he said. "Today's circumstances are completely different from those surrounding the May 17 Agreement."

He said leaders from Arab, Gulf and European countries had welcomed Lebanon's recent diplomatic efforts.

"Leaders from across the Arab world, the Gulf, Europe and elsewhere called to congratulate us on these steps," he said.

Aoun argued that restoring security is essential to Lebanon's economic recovery.

"We are seeking a way out because Lebanon needs economic growth, investment and financial recovery," he said. "Give us security, and the Gulf countries will return with investments, tourism and development projects."

He said Lebanon must no longer serve as a battleground for regional rivalries.

"Do we really want to continue waiting for other people's wars to be fought on our soil and remain trapped in regional axis politics?" he asked. "I will never allow that."

Reaffirming his political commitments, Aoun said his positions remained unchanged.

"I remain fully committed to my inaugural address, the constitution, and every word I have spoken," he said. "The era of political appeasement is over. I will not appease anyone. I work for all Lebanese, I care about every one of them, and I will never distinguish between one Lebanese citizen and another."