In a recent interview, Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) Commander Joseph Aoun addressed the possibility of security arrangements between Lebanon and Israel. Aoun stated that while a direct peace agreement is currently not feasible, a security-focused deal could act as a necessary prelude to future diplomatic normalization.

Central to Aoun’s proposal is the status of Hezbollah. He explicitly identified the disarmament of the group as a nonnegotiable requirement for regional stability and the restoration of state authority. This stance highlights a significant internal challenge for Lebanon, as Hezbollah maintains a powerful military presence independent of the national army.

Furthermore, Aoun addressed the future of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). He suggested that the current mandate should be evaluated and potentially replaced by a new force structure once the existing agreement expires. This proposal reflects a desire to shift the security paradigm in southern Lebanon, moving away from the current international peacekeeping model toward a framework that grants the Lebanese military more direct control over border security.

While the proposal outlines a path toward de-escalation, it remains a high-level strategic vision rather than an active diplomatic negotiation. The commander’s comments underscore the complex interplay between internal Lebanese politics, the influence of non-state actors like Hezbollah, and the ongoing security tensions along the border with Israel. The feasibility of these proposals remains subject to intense domestic debate within Lebanon and the broader geopolitical realities of the region.