Aoun: security deal and halt to Israeli attacks before any Netanyahu meeting

Tuesday, May 5, 2026Developing

World Desk

What we know

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said a security agreement and an end to Israeli attacks must come before any meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Washington has been pushing, AFP, Al Jazeera and other outlets reported Tuesday. Aoun's office said the timing is "not appropriate now," while reiterating there is "no turning back" from negotiations aimed at an Israeli withdrawal from south Lebanon.

Separately Tuesday, Aoun told southern local leaders the Lebanese army should be the "sole authority for security" in the south, CBS reported. Ambassador-level U.S.-mediated talks between Lebanon and Israel are expected to hold a third preparatory round in coming days; Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has called direct talks a "gratuitous concession." Clashes and Israeli strikes have continued despite the April ceasefire, which runs to mid-May.

What's confirmed

AFP: Aoun office statement — security deal and halt to Israeli attacks required before any Netanyahu meeting; third preparatory talks expected soon (AFP).
Al Jazeera: U.S. embassy and Washington pressing for an Aoun–Netanyahu deliverable; analysts warn a summit could inflame Lebanese politics (Al Jazeera).
CBS: Aoun said Tuesday the army should be sole security authority in the south; negotiation path is "the only option left" (CBS).
Al Jazeera day wrap: Hezbollah reported clashes with Israeli forces near the border while the ceasefire remains in name (Al Jazeera).
Guardian/CBC context: Ceasefire described as fragile and limited de-escalation as both sides keep trading fire (CBC analysis of truce).

What's still developing

Whether a third Washington round yields a security track before the mid-May ceasefire deadline.
Any shift in U.S. pressure for a White House Aoun–Netanyahu meeting.
Intensity of southern Lebanon exchanges while ambassador-level talks continue.

Sources

AFP (Gulf Times) — Aoun seeking a deal before Israel talks link
Al Jazeera — US push for Lebanon and Israel leaders to meet could inflame tensions link
CBS — Lebanese president says army should be sole security authority in the south link
Al Jazeera — Iran war day 67: Aoun conditions and Hezbollah border clashes link
CBC — Why the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire is 'in name only' link
JNS — Lebanon's president says security pact must precede Netanyahu meeting link