BEIRUT, May 4 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Monday that the timing is not suitable for a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, stressing that efforts should first focus on reaching a security agreement and halting Israeli attacks.
Aoun said, "The timing is not suitable now to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. We must first reach a security agreement and stop the Israeli attacks against us before raising the issue of a meeting," according to a statement released by Lebanon Presidency.
Aoun noted that during his recent regional and international contacts and meetings with various countries, particularly the United States, Europe, and Arab states, he had worked to clarify Lebanon's official position. He said these efforts helped remove misunderstandings and gaps in how those countries perceived the Lebanese government's stance on ongoing developments.
The president emphasized that diplomatic engagement remains ongoing, with negotiations centered on achieving security stability and de-escalation. He reiterated that halting hostilities is a prerequisite for any potential political dialogue at higher levels.
At least two people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Monday, as bombardment intensified across multiple areas and clashes continued on the ground, according to Lebanon's National News Agency.
According to Lebanon's Health Ministry, the cumulative toll of the conflict since March 2 has reached 2,696 people killed and 8,264 wounded as of May 4.
The developments came amid a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that came into effect at midnight on April 17, after weeks of escalating cross-border clashes tied to the broader U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. ■
