President Joseph Aoun on Tuesday met with the ambassadors of the Quintet Committee—representing France, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United States, and Egypt—at Baabda Palace to review the latest developments in Lebanon and the wider region, highlighting the country’s approach to managing security risks and maintaining stability.

During the meeting, Aoun provided a detailed assessment of Lebanon’s current situation and outlined the government’s response to recent developments, with particular focus on the Cabinet’s decision to ban Hezbollah’s military activities. He assured foreign envoys that the recent rocket launches toward Israel occurred outside the South Litani area, where the Lebanese Army is fully deployed and carrying out its duties across that region and the rest of the country.

Aoun reaffirmed that the Lebanese State has the sole authority to make decisions on matters of war and peace, and he called on the international community to pressure Israel to halt its attacks on Lebanon.

“The decision taken by the Council of Ministers yesterday, confirming that only the Lebanese state has the exclusive authority over war and peace and prohibiting any military or security actions outside the law, is a sovereign and final decision that will not be reversed,” Aoun told the ambassadors.

He added that the government has tasked the Lebanese Army and security forces with implementing the decision throughout the country.

The president emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to peace, noting that the government is fully bound by the terms of the cessation-of-hostilities agreement, which safeguards national stability. He also expressed readiness to resume negotiations under the mechanism committee framework, with civilian participation and international oversight.

Aoun underscored Lebanon’s reliance on the continued support of the Quintet Committee, which he said had previously played a key role in halting security deterioration, ending the presidential vacuum, and helping restore the full functions of constitutional institutions.

“Your support has been essential for maintaining Lebanon’s stability and integrity, based on the firm conviction that the stability of the region depends on the stability of Lebanon,” he told the ambassadors.

Speaking after the meeting, Egypt’s ambassador to Lebanon, Alaa Moussa, said the discussion focused on “the current situation, recent developments, and Lebanon’s approach to managing risks and maintaining stability.”

Moussa added that the ambassadors also reviewed the role of the Quintet Committee and the mechanisms in place to prevent further harm to Lebanon.

“We also discussed the work of the Lebanese army in the coming period and the measures the state must take,” he said.

He emphasized the ambassadors’ strong support for the Lebanese government, noting: “We reaffirmed our backing for the Lebanese State at this critical stage and our full support of the Cabinet’s decisions. We stressed that any action outside the framework of Lebanese legitimacy is unacceptable, and that diplomacy remains the safest path to protect Lebanon’s security, stability, and sovereignty.”

Moussa confirmed that the Quintet ambassadors remain committed to supporting the Lebanese army and announced that a conference to bolster the army would be held in France once conditions allow.

Regarding Hezbollah’s continued missile launches, Moussa said it is the Lebanese army’s responsibility to respond.

“President Aoun assured us that the army will continue implementing the second phase of the disarmament plan, with no intention of retreating,” he said.

Moussa also highlighted the unity within Lebanon’s institutions, noting that Speaker Nabih Berri’s position is reflected in his ministers’ stances and aligns with Cabinet decisions. President Aoun stressed that all three branches of government are pursuing a unified approach, with no contradictions in policy in the coming period.

“No one can oppose the decisions taken by the Cabinet yesterday; the state alone determines when implementation occurs,” Moussa said.

He concluded by expressing hope that all friendly nations in Lebanon—not just the Quintet members—would work to calm tensions and prevent further escalation.