Lebanon's former president says time is right to talk to Israel

Published April 30, 2026 Updated April 30, 2026 10:43am

The former Lebanese president who once signed a short-lived deal with Israel ending decades of a state of war now says the time is right to try again, Al Jazeera reports.

Amin Gemayel spoke with The Associated Press after the first direct talks between Lebanon and Israel since the 1980s, as they explore what could lead to a security agreement.

Gemayel, 84, who rarely speaks to international media, acknowledged much has changed as Lebanese leaders again pursue talks with Israel and as a fragile ceasefire holds.

“During my time, discussing a peace agreement with Israel was an unforgivable, fatal crime,” he said.

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