Lebanese President Joseph Aoun expressed optimism following talks with Israel, as U.S.-brokered negotiations continue over implementing the recently announced ceasefire framework between the two countries.

According to officials close to Aoun, the discussions were held in a “positive atmosphere,” with the United States reaffirming its commitment to supporting Lebanon’s security needs. Aoun said Lebanon remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under the agreement and stressed that diplomacy is the only path to preserving the country’s sovereignty and avoiding another military conflict.

The United States announced Wednesday that Israel and Lebanon had agreed on the terms for implementing “pilot zones,” under which the IDF would gradually withdraw from designated areas that would then be taken over by the Lebanese Armed Forces under American supervision.

Despite the agreement, Israel is expected to maintain control of several strategic positions in southern Lebanon, including the Ali Taher ridge, where Israeli officials believe a significant underground Hezbollah complex remains active. Discussions over dismantling the site are continuing as negotiators seek to avoid disrupting the diplomatic process.

The talks come as Hezbollah continues to reject calls to disarm, despite the requirement to do so under the memorandum of understanding reached at the end of June. The terror group has insisted that no agreement can move forward without its involvement.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)