Lebanon says it does not want war with Israel

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun told a UN Security Council delegation on Friday that Lebanon seeks diplomacy, not war, amid ongoing tensions with Israel. He urged international support for the Lebanese army’s plan to disarm non-state groups like Hezbollah, while stressing the Lebanese people are “tired of military confrontations.”

Hezbollah backed diplomacy but criticized civilian involvement in talks. The ceasefire-monitoring committee, including civilian representatives, will resume meetings on December 19, as Israel continues strikes in southern Lebanon.