President Joseph Aoun said on Friday that Lebanon is focused on maintaining a state of peace with Israel but ruled out any steps toward normalization, stating that such a move is not part of Lebanon’s current foreign policy.

“Peace is the state of no war and that is what matters to us in Lebanon at this stage,” Aoun was quoted as saying during his meeting with a delegation from the Arab and International Relations Council. “As for normalization, it is not on the table in Lebanon’s foreign policy.”

The president emphasized that Lebanon’s stance is rooted in its national interests and ongoing internal and regional dynamics. He reaffirmed that the decision on matters of war and peace lies solely with the government, adding that this approach ensures that Lebanon’s security and sovereignty remain intact.

Aoun’s remarks were delivered during a meeting with Council Chairman Mohammad Al-Saqr, former President Amine Gemayel, former Prime Minister Fouad Siniora, and Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri. 

Aoun declared that the decision to enforce the state’s exclusive authority over weapons has been finalized and will not be reversed.

“This decision is a cornerstone of national sovereignty,” he said. “Its implementation will respect the interests of the state and its internal stability, safeguarding both civil peace and national unity.”

The delegation included Council Chairman Mohammad Al-Saqr, former Presidents Amine Gemayel and Fouad Siniora, and Deputy Prime Minister Tarek Mitri.

President Aoun said that the Lebanese state’s ability to implement this policy depends on the cooperation of all political factions.

“The response and collaboration of all Lebanese parties with the state are critical to defending the country and protecting it from possible conspiracies,” he said.

The president expressed optimism that shifting regional dynamics could help Lebanon find practical solutions to long-standing issues, especially the disarmament of non-state groups.

“The changing conditions in the region facilitate finding appropriate solutions to delicate matters, including the arms issue,” he said.

Referring to his inaugural speech, Aoun said the address was shaped by the suffering and aspirations of the Lebanese people and was written with the intention of being fully implemented.

“This implementation will be gradual,” he said. “Rebuilding Lebanon on solid national foundations cannot happen overnight, after decades of suffering that have left deep wounds in the Lebanese system. But the will exists, and our resolve is unwavering.”

On southern Lebanon, Aoun reaffirmed the Lebanese Army’s role in implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701, in cooperation with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). He said the army has deployed throughout areas vacated by Israeli forces, but Israeli obstruction has prevented the military from reaching Lebanon’s internationally recognized borders.

He pointed to Israel’s continued occupation of five hilltop positions in the south, describing them as lacking strategic military value, and accused Tel Aviv of fabricating pretexts to prolong its violations of international resolutions.

“These deliberate Israeli actions prevent the full implementation of Resolution 1701 and keep tensions high in the south, in Beirut’s southern suburbs, and other targeted areas,” he said.

Turning to Lebanese-Syrian relations, Aoun affirmed Beirut’s commitment to maintaining good relations with Syria’s new leadership under President Ahmad al-Sharaa, while emphasizing the importance of non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.

He noted that security coordination between Beirut and Damascus remains ongoing to help stabilize the border and prevent the smuggling of people, weapons, and drugs.

“Lebanon’s stability is also Syria’s stability,” he added.