Lebanese President Joseph Aoun declared that Lebanon will not surrender even an inch of its territory to Israel, emphasizing that the government’s ongoing discussions with Israel do not amount to surrender or betrayal. His statement was released by the presidential office on Thursday, according to Al Jazeera.

Aoun said it is time for Lebanon to move beyond the era of war and subjugation, noting that most Lebanese people, especially those in the southern region, support this path toward dignity and security. The government has recently faced criticism from those who believe that the current agreement with Israel compromises Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Rejecting these allegations, Aoun asserted that the structural terms of the understanding do not conflict with Lebanon’s rights or fundamental principles but instead aim to ensure their full protection. He added that those who respect the principle of sovereignty should also respect the state’s decisions in this context.