President Joseph Aoun expressed hope that "the negotiations in Rome tomorrow and the day after will produce tangible and practical steps on the ground, leading to the start of the Israeli withdrawal and the deployment of the Lebanese Army in the areas that are vacated."

Speaking before a delegation from the Elders Foundation, a delegation from the University of Balamand, and former United Nations peace operations coordinator Sigrid Kaag, Aoun added: "The Lebanese Army is carrying out its duties across all Lebanese territory despite the difficult economic conditions faced by its personnel. It must therefore be supported and provided with the necessary equipment."

He said: "The Israeli prime minister must realize that war will not bring security. Stability can only be achieved through negotiations and by acknowledging that continuing the war will yield nothing but more killing, destruction, and displacement."

Aoun stressed that "it is impossible to continue pursuing a policy of aggression while speaking of peace and security. Historical experience around the world clearly shows that wars and the use of force do not lead to peace and stability, nor do they eliminate non-state actors. Therefore, Israel must change its approach if it truly seeks to provide security and peace for its people and stability for the region."