President Joseph Aoun said on Thursday that a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel would serve as the “natural entry point” for direct negotiations between the two countries, in line with what he described as his presidential negotiation initiative.

His remarks came during a meeting in Beirut with UK Minister of State for the Middle East Hamish Nicholas Falconer, as diplomatic efforts continue to explore pathways toward de-escalation along Lebanon’s southern border.

Aoun stressed that Lebanon is seeking an immediate end to hostilities, saying the priority is to halt escalation “in the south and across all Lebanese territories” and to stop the targeting of civilians, including women, men and children. He also called for an end to the destruction of homes in Lebanese towns and villages affected by ongoing violence.

Reiterating Lebanon’s position, the president underlined that any negotiations would remain exclusively under State authority. 

“Negotiations are conducted solely by the Lebanese authorities, as this is a sovereign matter in which no other party can be involved,” he said.

Aoun also linked any agreement to territorial issues, stating that the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory would be a key step both to consolidate a ceasefire and to allow the Lebanese army to redeploy up to the internationally recognized borders. Such a move, he said, would reinforce full State authority and eliminate all armed manifestations outside official institutions.

He further emphasized that recent government decisions, particularly those relating to the State’s monopoly over weapons, would be implemented “in the interest of Lebanon” and aimed at ensuring that security and stability are exclusively the responsibility of the state.

According to a statement issued by the Lebanese presidency, the British minister expressed London’s support for Aoun’s efforts to secure a ceasefire and to launch a structured negotiation process based on the objectives outlined in his initiative. He also reaffirmed Britain’s backing for Lebanese government decisions and announced £20.5 million in humanitarian assistance to help Lebanon address the needs of displaced populations.