BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said a proposed framework to halt fighting between Israel and Iran-backed militant Hezbollah was "still on the table", as he hosted French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday. Israel responded with heavy airstrikes across Lebanon and ground incursions in the border area, which combined have left more than 1,000 people dead. On March 9, Aoun proposed a four-point initiative that called for "a full truce" with Israel, increased support to the Lebanese army in order to "disarm Hezbollah" and "direct negotiations" with Israel. The president told Barrot that "the negotiating initiative... is still on the table, but the continued military escalation is hindering its launch", the statement said. "What is important is to stop the escalation" between Hezbollah and Israel, Aoun added.

Source: Indian Express March 20, 2026 08:02 UTC