Lebanon seeks security deal with Israel to end hostility: Key details

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says Lebanon is reportedly seeking a security agreement with Israel once it withdraws from the south while pursuing Hezbollah’s disarmament without triggering a confrontation.

President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon wanted a new European force to avert a security vacuum after UN peacekeepers leave south Lebanon when their term expires in December.

For that purpose, he called on the United States, European Union and Arab countries to support Lebanon's military as it deployed across the south. According to reports, Aoun will attend a meeting hosted by President Emmanuel Macron and by King Abdullah II of Jordan to forge international alliances for Lebanese troops as they deploy across the country.

In this connection, Aoun said: “ Whatever the nature of this force, that poses no problem for me: European, non-European, American, another United Nations force, Asian, or even a mix of European, Arab and Asian forces.”

Aoun also asserted he wants a collateral agreement with Israel the establishment of cordial relations between two hostile nations and the deployment of the army on the border. He further stated, this could be a preliminary agreement but we cannot fast track a peace accord. Furthermore, Aoun stated Lebanon was determined to disarm the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, and that the decision was not up for discussions.