Wassim Seifeddine
17 April 2026•Update: 17 April 2026
Lebanon is seeking a permanent ceasefire with Israel through negotiations to restore stability, secure an Israeli withdrawal, and extend state authority across its territory, Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi said Friday.
Raggi made the remarks during a meeting in Beirut with his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel, where they discussed developments in Lebanon and the region, as well as efforts to stabilize the situation, according to a Lebanese Foreign Ministry statement.
He thanked Portugal for its support for Lebanon in international forums and for backing government decisions and reform efforts.
Raggi said Lebanon aims to reach a lasting ceasefire through negotiations that would ensure stability, Israel’s withdrawal, full Lebanese sovereignty over its territory and exclusive control of weapons by the state.
He also stressed the need for continued international support, particularly from European countries, for the Lebanese army to strengthen its capabilities and maintain security and stability.
Rangel affirmed Portugal’s full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and welcomed the ceasefire and the negotiation track Beirut intends to pursue, according to the statement.
He also stressed the need for continued international support, particularly from European countries, for the Lebanese army to strengthen its capabilities and maintain security and stability.
Rangel reaffirmed Portugal’s full support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and welcomed the ceasefire and the negotiation track Beirut intends to pursue, according to the statement.
He said the process represents an opportunity to reach a comprehensive and sustainable solution that enhances stability and ends the conflict.
Rangel also expressed appreciation for Lebanon’s support of Portugal’s bid for a seat on the UN Security Council and underscored his commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
US President Donald Trump announced Thursday a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon starting at midnight local time in Tel Aviv and Beirut.
More than 2,196 people have been killed and 7,185 wounded during 45 days of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, with over 1 million displaced, according to official figures.
Israel launched a war on Lebanon in October 2023, and a ceasefire was declared in November the following year, but Israel continued to violate it daily before expanding its offensive on March 2.
Israel occupies areas in southern Lebanon, some for decades and others since the previous war between October 2023 and November of the following year.
*Writing by Mohammad Sio in Istanbul