Lebanon President Calls for Mutual Talks Amid Escalating Israeli Strikes

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has reiterated Lebanon's readiness for negotiations with Israel to end hostilities and reclaim occupied land, emphasizing that any talks must be based on mutual willingness, a condition he says Israel has yet to meet. Despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire nearly a year old, Israel has continued near-daily airstrikes on southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, which Lebanon accuses of violating the ceasefire and Lebanon's sovereignty. Aoun called on the international community, including the EU and the U.S., to pressure Israel to honor the ceasefire and support the Lebanese Army's deployment along the southern border to restore state authority and security. German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul, visiting Beirut, condemned the ongoing Israeli strikes as "unacceptable" and stressed the need for both Israel and Hezbollah to adhere to the ceasefire, affirming Germany's support for Lebanon's sovereignty and security efforts. The conflict roots back to the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023 and subsequent Hezbollah rocket fire, which escalated into war in 2024, with Israel maintaining military presence in Lebanese territory. Lebanese officials and Hezbollah accuse Israel of aggression and non-compliance with ceasefire terms, while Israel asserts its strikes target Hezbollah infrastructure; the situation remains volatile with recent Israeli raids and casualties in southern Lebanon, prompting calls for international intervention to ensure peace and respect for sovereignty.