Lebanon appeals Israel for peace talks

Joseph Aoun>>>, President of Lebanon>>>, made a direct appeal to Israel>>> for peace talks to end the ongoing war, emphasizing that a military solution will not bring security. Lebanon>>> is in direct talks with Israel>>>, mediated by the United States>>>, to achieve a cessation of hostilities, despite opposition from Hezbollah>>>. Joseph Aoun>>> stated he would not meet Benjamin Netanyahu>>>, Israel>>>i Prime Minister, before an agreement is reached, aiming for a non-aggression pact rather than a full peace deal. The war, which began on March 2 with Hezbollah>>> firing on Israel>>> in support of Iran>>>, has resulted in over 3,600 deaths and more than one million displaced Lebanese. Despite a United States>>>-declared ceasefire on April 16, fighting has continued, including Israel>>>i strikes on Lebanon>>> and a 24-hour exchange of fire between Iran>>> and Israel>>>. Joseph Aoun>>> also criticized Iran>>> for using Lebanon>>> as a bargaining chip in its talks with the United States>>>.