Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon is entering a 'new phase' focused on securing permanent agreements following a 10-day ceasefire that ended six weeks of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. In his first televised address since the truce took effect, Aoun declared that Lebanon would no longer serve as 'an arena for anyone's wars' and pledged to safeguard national sovereignty and unity.

Aoun said the government had reclaimed independent decision-making power and would now negotiate on its own behalf. While he did not explicitly confirm peace talks with Israel, he stressed that any negotiations would not compromise Lebanon’s rights or sovereignty. He also reaffirmed his commitment to extending state authority across all Lebanese territory and ensuring the return of displaced citizens.

The ceasefire followed weeks of cross-border violence that began after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel, prompting Israeli airstrikes and a ground offensive. Aoun thanked international partners including Saudi Arabia and the United States for helping secure the truce. Direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli representatives recently resumed in Washington, marking a rare diplomatic contact between the two countries, which have technically been at war since 1948.