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SvennoJ on 22 April 2026
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Lebanon’s president says negotiations ongoing to extend ceasefire

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says negotiations are ongoing to extend the ceasefire, warning that no party will be permitted to obstruct security measures or undermine stability.

“Preserving civil peace at this stage of our country’s history is a red line,” Aoun said on X, adding that he would “spare no effort to end the abnormal situation in Lebanon”.

Lebanon’s ambassador to the US, Nada Haddad Maaouad, will represent Lebanon at a preparatory meeting at the US State Department on Thursday, where she will raise the extension of the ceasefire and demand that Israel stop demolition operations in southern Lebanese villages and towns.

Aoun said negotiations are anchored on four conditions: stopping Israeli aggression, achieving an Israeli withdrawal, agreeing the return of prisoners and deploying the Lebanese army.

What to know about Lebanon’s PM Nawaf Salam

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has reiterated that his government will continue working towards its aim of disarming Hezbollah after meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on Tuesday.

He also said that while Lebanon is not seeking confrontation with Hezbollah, “we’re clearly not going to be intimidated”, adding that he is “convinced that diplomacy is not a sign of weakness, but a responsible” way to restore Lebanon’s sovereignty and protect its people.

Here’s what we know about the Lebanese leader:

  • Salam has been the prime minister of Lebanon since February 8, 2025, after resigning from his role as the president of the International Court of Justice – where he had presided over initial hearings in South Africa’s genocide case against Israel – to return home to Beirut.
  • As prime minister, Salam’s role is defined by the country’s unique power-sharing system, which was designed to balance power among the nation’s different communities.
  • Under the Lebanese system, the role of prime minister, which holds significant executive power, is always held by a Sunni Muslim.
  • The position of president, currently held by Joseph Aoun, is allocated to a Maronite Christian, who serves as the head of state and commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
  • Meanwhile, the speaker of the parliament, who leads parliamentary debates as well as playing the role of political mediator, must be held by a Shia Muslim.


Israel’s FM wants Lebanon to ‘work together’ against Hezbollah

Israel’s foreign minister has urged Lebanon to make joint efforts to counter Hezbollah before talks between the countries that are set to resume in Washington, DC, on Thursday.

“This cooperation is needed by you even more than by us,” Gideon Saar said. “It requires moral clarity and the courage to take risks. But there is no real alternative for ensuring a future of peace for you and for us.”

Despite a ceasefire which began on Friday, Israeli soldiers are still active in southern Lebanon, with Defence Minister Israel Katz saying last week they would use “full force” if threatened. Israel conducted air raids across Lebanon and invaded the south after Hezbollah entered the war in support of its backer Iran on March 2nd.