French Peace Proposal: Easing Tensions Between Israel and Hezbollah - UN Resolution 1701 Implementation and Ceasefire Negotiations
France proposed a plan to reduce tensions and stop clashes between Israel and Hezbollah along Lebanon's border.
Lebanese officials received an updated version of the proposal on Friday, which summarized meetings between French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne and Lebanese and Israeli officials.
The proposal aims to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006 to end the war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Lebanese officials were preparing a response, while both sides saw a decrease in hostilities, except for an attack on an Israeli airbase from Lebanese territory on Friday.
Hezbollah attacked an Israeli site in Bayad Blida, but did not immediately claim responsibility.
Israeli soldiers were present during the attack.
In response, Israeli forces opened fire on a shepherd in Wazzani and shelled several Lebanese areas.
Reconnaissance warplanes operated over the border, and diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza were ongoing.
Hezbollah has previously linked any peace in southern Lebanon to a ceasefire in Gaza.
Israel's security establishment is reportedly close to reaching an agreement with Hezbollah and Lebanon, based on the provisions of UN Resolution 1701.
The Israeli security establishment is collaborating with US officials, including Amos Hochstein, on the negotiation process.
Nabih Berri, the speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, has received a copy of the French peace plan and will respond, stating that it contains both acceptable and unacceptable points that require discussion and review.
The agreement being discussed refers back to the ceasefire agreement signed between Israel and Lebanon on April 26, 1996.
The text discusses the recommendations of a proposed monitoring group aimed at implementing UN Resolution 1701 and preventing escalation between Lebanon, Israel, and UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
The group, which would include the US, France, Lebanon, and Israel, would oversee compliance with the resolution.
The first stage of the recommendations requires Lebanese armed groups to cease military operations inside Israel and disputed border regions, stop attacking UN personnel or facilities, and allow UNIFIL freedom of movement.
Israel is called upon to halt military operations inside Lebanon, refrain from endangering UN personnel or facilities, and ensure UNIFIL's freedom of movement.
These steps aim to ensure peace and stability in the region, as outlined in UN Resolution 1701.
The monitoring group would address any complaints from involved parties in stages, working towards the effective implementation of the resolution.
The French initiative outlines UNIFIL's mission in two phases to maintain peace between Lebanon and Israel.
In the first phase, UNIFIL will monitor the cessation of hostilities, increase patrols along the Blue Line, and ensure respect for the ceasefire.
The Blue Line is a UN-set demarcation line separating Lebanon and Israel.
In the second phase, within three days, UNIFIL will dismantle installations, facilities, and centers near the Blue Line, withdraw combat forces and militias, and remove shooting capabilities and anti-tank systems, all at least 10 kilometers north of the Blue Line.
The text proposes a plan to reduce tensions between Israel and Lebanon.
Key elements include:
1.
Israel stopping flights over Lebanese airspace.
2.
Lebanon resuming meetings of the tripartite mechanism with UNIFIL, Israel, and Lebanese militaries.
3.
Deploying approximately 15,000 Lebanese soldiers along the Blue Line south of the Litani River, supported by UNIFIL and international partners.
4.
A 10-day third phase for talks between Lebanon and Israel, facilitated by UNIFIL, focusing on establishing an area free of armed groups and weapons between the Blue Line and the Litani River.
5.
Parallel international efforts to assist in the deployment of Lebanese forces and social-economic development in the region.