Lebanese President Joseph Aoun Dismisses Immediate Israel Talks During Tour of South Shaken by Tremors and Strikes

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Saturday officially ruled out any new talks with Israel for the immediate future. This announcement came just hours after The National reported that negotiations were unlikely to resume in September.

A Lebanese source close to the ongoing negotiations stated on Friday that "the timing doesn't suit us," following reports that a fresh round of discussions might take place in Rome over the coming days.

Mr Aoun visited Nabatieh in southern Lebanon on Saturday alongside army commander Gen Rodolph Haykal. The visit occurred hours after Israel bombed the Ali Al Taher ridge within the district using more than 1,100 tonnes of explosives aimed at destroying tunnels utilized by the Iran-backed Hezbollah.

According to the US Geological Survey, the massive blast triggered a magnitude 4.1 tremor throughout the area. Residents of Nabatieh described feeling a colossal explosion that left the ground shaking beneath their feet.

Local media quoted Mr Aoun stating that "no new negotiations with Israel are taking place at the moment." He further emphasized that "the withdrawal [of Israeli forces], the return of prisoners and displaced people, and reconstruction are national principles that we pledge to uphold."

This firm stance from Lebanon serves as the latest sign of mounting disillusionment regarding the US-brokered framework intended to end hostilities between Lebanon and Israel. Aside from establishing two "pilot zones" for Israeli withdrawal—one lacking prior Israeli military presence and another where troops occupied only the outskirts—very little progress has been achieved.

Meanwhile, the diplomatic talks have failed to stop ongoing Israeli military advances in southern Lebanon. Discussions have similarly stalled regarding how a verification committee could effectively ensure compliance with the deal.

Under this framework, the Lebanese army is designated to control areas vacated by Israeli forces while Hezbollah is disarmed. However, recent Israeli operations have intensified concerns across Lebanon regarding the unchecked expansion of Israel's occupation in the south.

Israeli forces have persisted with operations beyond the previously established security zone boundaries, continuing strikes and demolitions alongside the ongoing negotiations. In a video message on Friday, Defence Minister Israel Katz warned that Israel is ready to broaden its military campaign by "striking Hezbollah" at "additional locations" following the demolition of tunnels constructed by the Iran-backed group in southern Lebanon.