"The Supreme Islamic Sharia Council... stated that President Joseph Aoun's constitutional right to pursue diplomatic negotiations to end the war with Israel should be respected."
Beirut — The Supreme Islamic Sharia Council, led by Lebanon's Sunni Muslim Grand Mufti Abdul-Latif Derian, has affirmed that President Joseph Aoun possesses the constitutional authority to engage in diplomatic negotiations to end the ongoing war with Israel. The council urged that this right be respected.
In a strongly worded statement, the council criticized Israel, accusing it of launching a devastating war on Lebanon and committing serious crimes against the nation.
Key Developments in Diplomacy
- Direct Talks Occur: Lebanon and Israel's ambassadors to Washington held two rounds of talks this month. These are described as the first official meetings between the two countries in decades.
- Hezbollah Opposition: The Iran-backed Hezbollah group, which represents the Lebanese Shia community, opposes direct negotiations with Israel. It has publicly criticized the Washington meetings.
- Upcoming Summit: US President Donald Trump said this week that President Aoun and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected to meet in Washington in the coming weeks.
This emerging diplomatic channel marks a significant shift in the region, but faces immediate internal opposition from powerful factions within Lebanon.