Six Shared Commitments by Lebanese and Israeli Citizens:
We, the undersigned Lebanese and Israeli citizens, who believe in a future of Peace, security, stability and prosperity for Lebanon and Israel, support immediate, sustained and intensive negotiations between the two countries. We ask all governments, institutions, and citizens of the world to support us and to employ all peaceful means and leverage at their disposal to advance the implementation of the long-overdue process of normalization.
We recognize that the Israel-Lebanon conflict was used by 3rd parties for decades, and that to this day there are efforts to create artificial 'linkages' to other active regional conflicts. We wish to de-link Israeli-Lebanon negotiations and agreements from all other conflicts, and arrive at a quick and mutually agreed bilateral resolution of all issues.
For too long, conflict has brought fear, loss, and uncertainty. We believe that the vast majority of civilians on both sides seek not hostility, but security, dignity, normalcy and prosperity. Together, we affirm that a different future – grounded in mutual respect and coexistence – is both necessary and possible.
In this spirit, we jointly commit to the following principles:
Commitment to Peaceful Coexistence and Full Normalization We commit to a future of peaceful coexistence, with a stable and secure internationally recognized border, and support a path toward normalization between our countries.
Commitment to Sovereignty and Responsibility Within Our mutually and internationally recognized Borders We, as citizens of Lebanon and Israel, believe in the mutual recognition of, and respect for, each other’s internationally recognized borders, and affirm that neither country should maintain territorial claims against the other beyond those borders.
Commitment to Rule of Law and Legitimate Security We commit to the principle that arms should be held only by state institutions or entities operating under full government authority. We believe that the sovereign state alone must retain the exclusive and legitimate monopoly over the use of armed force, and that all armed militias, paramilitary organizations, or groups operating outside the authority and control of the state must be prohibited, deemed unlawful, and subject to immediate disarmament and legal accountability. We also call for a shared commitment to preventing any hostile acts, attacks, or military activity originating from either country’s territory against the other. We demand that arms shall only be used under national and international law.
Commitment to Civilian Protection and Human Dignity We commit to protecting civilians on all sides and to upholding the dignity and safety of every human life, including that of the other.
Commitment to Rejecting Hate and to Dialogue We reject hate speech, incitement, and narratives that fuel division. We commit to fostering normalization as a natural partnership between people, through dialogue, understanding, and cooperation.
Shared Prosperity and Regional Cooperation We commit to working on joint initiatives that serve the national interests of both countries that solidify partnership, improve the standards of living, encourage cultural exchange, tourism and economic opportunities, and the well-being of all citizens.
This petition reflects the collective will of civilians who refuse to accept perpetual war and conflict as inevitable. We believe that peace is the only viable path to long term security, stability and prosperity. With hope and determination, we stand together for a future defined not by conflict, but by coexistence.
The petition was written by Eran Etzion, Nizar Zakka and Vered Guttman