Aoun reveals details of the 'experimental zones' plan and denies communication channels between Trump and Hezbollah

Since assuming the presidency, Lebanese President General Joseph Aoun has sought to consolidate the concept of the state and restore its lost prestige amidst regional tensions. Aoun emerges as a leading figure attempting to balance military firmness with political realism, placing Lebanon's national interest above any sectarian considerations or external pressures that could destabilize the fragile stability.

Regarding the issue of Hezbollah's weapons, President Aoun adopts an approach based on responsible dialogue and the necessity of confining weapons to the legitimate institutions of the state. The presidency has engaged in lengthy discussions aimed at sparing Lebanon the repercussions of regional wars, based on a firm conviction that the decision of peace and war must remain exclusively in the hands of the Lebanese state alone.

Information indicates that President Aoun does not adopt the language of direct confrontation but rather relies on wisdom and patience in addressing thorny issues. He believes that building a strong and independent state cannot be achieved in the presence of parallel military decisions outside the framework of official institutions, which he seeks to enshrine through available diplomatic and political channels.

On the political communication front, sources revealed that the current relationship between Baabda Palace and Hezbollah is directly severed, with contacts limited to secondary channels. The President closely follows the positions of the party's leadership, expressing his surprise at some people's description of the ongoing negotiations as futile, questioning the available alternatives in light of the current field results.

In a related context, President Aoun expressed his surprise at reports circulating about direct contacts between US President Donald Trump and Hezbollah. He clarified that American communication was made through the Lebanese Ambassador in Washington, Nada Maawad, praising her role in representing the Lebanese state and protecting its interests in international forums.

The President strongly defends the performance of Lebanese diplomacy in Washington, noting that the efforts made have succeeded in moving stagnant files and prompted high-level interventions from the US administration. Aoun rejects attempts to belittle the official Lebanese representation or to attribute diplomatic successes to unofficial parties.

On the ground, the President relies on the 'experimental zones' proposal as a first step to stabilize southern Lebanon. The plan includes the deployment of Lebanese Army units in specific areas, including Eastern and Western Zawtar, Yahmar, and Beaufort Castle, to serve as a model for imposing national sovereignty.

The President believes that current circumstances may not allow for a comprehensive and immediate ceasefire or a complete Israeli withdrawal simultaneous with the withdrawal of Hezbollah elements to north of the Litani. Nevertheless, the equation of 'Dahiyeh versus settlements' remains in the field calculations, with a warning against using the Lebanese arena as a platform for settling regional scores between major powers.

Domestically, there is clear harmony between the presidency and the government led by Nawaf Salam, which annoys some parties attempting to stir up discord between the Serail and Baabda. President Aoun mocks analyses that speak of marginalizing the Prime Minister's role, emphasizing that the existing cooperation aims to manage state affairs during this critical phase.

Regarding the relationship with Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, it is based on mutual respect and continuous consultation on major national issues. President Aoun praised Berri's historical role in building the South in media statements, confirming that coordination between them has not been interrupted despite security circumstances that impose restrictions on direct visits.

President Aoun categorically denies the existence of any secret agreements preceding his election as president, considering what is being circulated in this regard as mere slander. He cited statements by Hezbollah MPs who confirmed that their vote for him was a choice to avoid a constitutional vacuum and not the result of a prior political deal with any party.

Regarding the military institution, the President affirms that the army leadership operates under the umbrella of political authority and fully adheres to its directives. He clarified that the visit of Army Commander General Rudolph Hekal to Pakistan was scheduled long ago and carries no political implications or messages related to the recent field escalation.

Visitors to the palace believe that President Aoun has a clear vision for exiting the current crisis by strengthening the role of legitimate institutions and adhering to national sovereignty. Aoun stresses that Lebanon must return to its natural position as an independent state that maintains balanced relations with the international community and the Arab hinterland, away from the policy of axes.

Finally, the President emphasizes the importance of Lebanese unity in confronting the existential challenges facing the country. He affirms that the only way to protect Lebanon is to rally around state institutions and its national army, and to reject any attempts to mortgage the Lebanese decision to external interests that do not serve the people's aspirations for security and stability.

Let Sheikh Naim Qassem tell me what he wants? Does he want to fight? Let him go and fight, and we have seen the results.