Lebanese president dismisses criticism of Israel negotiations

Lebanese president dismisses criticism of Israel negotiations Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun has again defended the government’s decision to negotiate with Israel during their ongoing attacks on the country, saying critics “do not deserve a response”. “I assure you that I will not back down from the decision to negotiate that I have taken, while insisting that all my positions include clarifications to the Lebanese people about the importance of the path we are taking, and Lebanon’s adherence to its sovereignty in all the steps we take”, Aoun said while addressing a Christian political bloc on Friday. The framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon mediated by the US has led to anger in Lebanon, with people taking to the streets to protest their government over the demand for Hezbollah to disarm in exchange for Israel withdrawing their troops occupying Lebanon.