Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has expressed his willingness to pursue a security agreement with Israel following the withdrawal of Israeli troops, describing it as a potential step toward a broader peace arrangement. In an interview conducted ahead of his trip to France this week, Aoun emphasized Lebanon’s commitment to disarming Hezbollah, a move he insists will be achieved without violent confrontation.

Aoun outlined Lebanon's concerns about the upcoming expiration of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mandate at the end of 2026. The peacekeeping mission, which has operated since 1978 with contingents from nearly 50 countries, currently maintains a presence of approximately 7,500 personnel in southern Lebanon. The United Nations Security Council, under pressure from the United States, voted last year not to renew the mandate beyond December 31.

To prevent a security vacuum following UNIFIL’s departure, Aoun advocated the deployment of a new international force—potentially European, American, Asian, Arab, or a combination thereof—as an interim measure until the Lebanese army is able to assume full control of the southern border areas. He called on the U.S., European Union, and Arab states to support Lebanon’s military efforts to reassert sovereignty across the country.

In discussing possible relations with Israel, Aoun said the priority of a security agreement would be to end hostilities and reduce military deployments along the border. While he described such an arrangement as a "prelude to a later peace agreement," he also cautioned against rushing into a formal peace deal. "Negotiations are essential because the alternative—war—would be extremely costly for us," he stated.

Aoun reaffirmed Lebanon’s intention to disarm Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant and political group that has maintained a significant arsenal and played a central role in conflicts with Israel. He underscored that disarmament is neither negotiable nor open to discussion but emphasized a peaceful approach: “The objective is not a confrontation... This is not about building a state at the cost of a bloody conflict or a new civil war.” This stance comes amid concerns that Hezbollah’s military presence entrenches political divisions and hampers state authority.

Addressing Lebanon's relationship with Iran, Aoun called for mutual respect and non-interference, underscoring the importance of sovereignty. "We have no problem with having a relationship with Iran, but we do have a problem with interference in our internal affairs," he said.

Aoun’s visit to Paris includes attending a meeting convened by French President Emmanuel Macron, alongside Jordan’s King Abdullah II, aimed at rallying international support for Lebanon’s armed forces as they prepare to extend their presence nationwide following the UN peacekeeping withdrawal.

Lebanon remains acutely aware of the fragility of its internal political balance, decades after a devastating civil war, and is seeking a path that maintains stability while addressing longstanding security challenges along its southern border.