Editorial
France presented a written proposal to Beirut with the aim of resolving hostilities with Tel Aviv and addressing the existing dispute on the Lebanon-Israel border. The document, obtained by Reuters, outlines de-escalation measures, including the withdrawal of fighters, particularly Hezbollah's elite unit, to a distance of 10km from the border. The proposal aims to mitigate the ongoing conflict between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel, which runs alongside the Gaza war, raising concerns about a escalation imminent and with catastrophic implications for the entire region.
Delivered by the French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourne to Lebanese officials, including the prime minister Najib mikati, the proposal emphasizes the prevention ofescalation of the conflict and the creation of favorable conditions for a possible ceasefire. It also provides for negotiations for the delineation of the controversial border between Lebanon and Israel.
However, Hezbollah has already rejected the proposal for formal negotiations until the conflict in Gaza ends. Despite ongoing mediation efforts by US Middle East envoy Amos Hochstein, details of the French proposal had not previously been disclosed.
The three-phase plan outlined in the proposal involves a 10-day de-escalation process that is aimed at finalizing with border negotiations. This proposal was presented to the governments of Israel, Lebanon and Hezbollah.
Key elements of the plan include the cessation of military operations between Lebanese armed groups and Israel, the dismantling of facilities near the border and the withdrawal of fighting forces, including the unit Radwan of Hezbollah, at least 10 km north of the border. It also suggests deploying up to 15.000 Lebanese Army troops in the southern border region, historically a Hezbollah bastion.
The proposal faces resistance from Hezbollah, which insists on halting aggression in Gaza before engaging in discussions on the southern border. Despite objections raised by Lebanon, French officials made it clear that the proposal is not final, saying they wanted to continue negotiations with all interested parties.
The proposal recalls previous ceasefire agreements between Hezbollah and Israel, such as the 1996 ceasefire and UN Security Council Resolution 1701 that ended the 2006 war. The method is that of three out of 10 phases days, including the cessation of military operations, the withdrawal of armed groups and the resumption of negotiations on border delineation with the support of UNIFIL.
Furthermore, the proposal highlights the need for international support to strengthen the Lebanese army, following the country's severe financial crisis. We therefore ask for funding, equipment, training and socio-economic development in southern Lebanon to facilitate the deployment of Lebanese forces and ensure stability in the region.
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