Lebanese President Joseph Aoun stated that Lebanon informed Washington that a ceasefire is a necessary first step for any subsequent negotiations, according to the Cairo News Channel website.

He added: "I emphasize the necessity of Israel's commitment to the cessation of hostilities agreement, clarifying that our official position regarding negotiations with Israel is firm, and what we are doing is not treason."

He said: "I take responsibility for my decisions, and we reject any humiliating agreement with Israel."

Joseph Aoun added that treason is committed by those who drag their country into war to achieve foreign interests.