President Joseph Aoun on Thursday revealed the details of Lebanon's response to the U.S.-backed framework aimed at securing a lasting ceasefire with Israel, emphasizing that the plan must reinforce the exclusive authority of the state over all arms. The president's comments came during a speech at the Ministry of Defense on the occasion of Army Day, where he laid a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and pledged unwavering support for Lebanon's armed forces.

In a wide-ranging address, Aoun said Lebanon's response was developed in full coordination with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri. The plan, he said, would be formally presented to the Cabinet in the coming week and outlines a roadmap for stability, sovereignty, and reconstruction.

"I have launched negotiations with the United States regarding enforcement of the ceasefire agreement, which was unanimously approved by the previous Lebanese Cabinet," he said. "Washington presented a draft framework, which we have amended. The final version will be submitted to Cabinet next week."

The president detailed eight key demands that Lebanon has submitted for negotiation:

1. An immediate cessation of Israeli hostilities by land, sea, and air, including assassinations. 

2. Israel's full withdrawal behind internationally recognized borders and the release of Lebanese detainees.

3. Restoration of full state control over all Lebanese territory, disarmament of all armed groups, including Hezbollah, and the transfer of weapons to the Lebanese army.

4. A 10-year annual commitment of $1 billion from friendly nations to support and equip the Lebanese Army and security forces.

5. An international donors' conference in the fall to fund Lebanon's reconstruction.

6. Demarcation of Lebanon's land and maritime borders with Syria, with U.S., French, Saudi, and UN assistance.

7. A comprehensive solution to the Syrian refugee crisis.

8. Enhanced efforts to combat drug smuggling and promote alternative industries and agriculture.

"It is our responsibility, mine and that of all political parties through the Cabinet, Parliament, and Supreme Defense Council, to seize this historic opportunity and reaffirm the principle of exclusive weapons control by the state," Aoun declared. "This is essential to restore global trust in our ability to protect our sovereignty against Israeli aggression and extremist threats."

Citing Article 52 of the Constitution, Aoun said it was his duty to disclose the truth of the negotiations, respecting the oath he swore and the content of his presidential inauguration speech.

Aoun called for immediate and coordinated action across Lebanon’s executive and legislative institutions to implement a series of reforms and security measures. These, he said, were essential for the country’s survival amid what he described as an existential crisis.

Chief among the demands is the reaffirmation of the Lebanese state's monopoly on arms.

“We must push decisively for the exclusive possession of weapons by the Lebanese Army and security forces across all Lebanese territory,” Aoun said, noting that this step was a prerequisite for restoring Lebanon's global credibility and protecting its sovereignty against ongoing Israeli violations and domestic instability.

"The time has come to end the destruction and suicide of endless wars that serve the interests of others," he warned.

He accused Israel of having committed thousands of violations since the November 2024 ceasefire, killing hundreds of civilians, preventing displaced families from returning, obstructing reconstruction, and refusing to release prisoners or withdraw from occupied land.

"The Lebanese Army stood courageously by the people and sacrificed dearly, including the martyrdom of Lieutenant Colonel Mohammad Farhat," Aoun said, praising the officer as a symbol of national unity and valor.

Despite limited resources, Aoun noted, the Army had successfully extended its authority across the non-occupied areas south of the Litani River, collected and destroyed unusable weapons, and worked closely with the multinational military committee. He confirmed plans to recruit and train more than 4,500 soldiers to expand deployment in the region.

The president expressed deep gratitude to the people of southern Lebanon for their cooperation and patriotism.

"Their resilience and nationalism facilitated the Army's mission," he said.

He said the government under Prime Minister Salam had prioritized restoring trust in the judiciary, securing the borders, preparing for reconstruction, and strengthening Lebanon’s global ties. He stressed that the judiciary now operates freely and that several judges have begun reviving the Beirut Port blast investigation.

Aoun also commended recent security reforms, including military and customs appointments, and renewed efforts to combat money laundering and sleeper terror cells. The president credited regional and international diplomacy for renewed foreign interest in Lebanon's stabilization.

"I have chosen to move forward, with all of Lebanon, toward a better future," Aoun said. "Together, we must seize the opportunity to save our country. We will not bend to those who are indifferent to Lebanon’s salvation. Together, we reclaim a state that shelters all, empowered not by foreign backers or weapons, but by our unity, our consensus, and our national army."

Closing his speech, Aoun urged all political, religious, and civic leaders to stand behind the Army.

"Let us empower our national military alone to bear arms and defend our borders. Our legitimacy comes from the Army's legitimacy," he said. "Let us complete the liberation, demarcate the borders, and begin reconstruction so Lebanon can reconcile with its mission and role."

"I trust in the wisdom of Lebanon’s leaders—political, religious, economic, intellectual, and cultural—and every free Lebanese patriot, to take a historic step and entrust our national army alone with the defense of the nation."

Aoun addressed troops and the nation: “Today is your day, Army of Lebanon. Take pride in it! There is no institution in the Lebanese state that garners more consensus than the Lebanese Army.”

"Happy Army Day," he concluded. "Glory to our fallen heroes. Long live the Army. Long live Lebanon."