The American site “Axios” has reported, citing informed sources, that France has developed a proposal aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, which requires the Lebanese government to take an unprecedented step of formally recognizing Israel.
According to the report, Israel and the United States are currently reviewing the proposition, as the French framework could help ease the hostilities, prevent a prolonged Israeli offensive in southern Lebanon, increase international pressure to disarm Hezbollah, and potentially pave the way for a historic peace agreement.
Axios indicates that the Lebanese government has essentially accepted the proposal as a basis for discussions, while also expressing concerns that the current conflict could devastate the country.
Israel is reportedly looking to expand its ground operations within Lebanon to gain full control over the area south of the Litani River and dismantle Hezbollah’s military infrastructure, as asserted by both Israeli and American officials. A senior Israeli official stated, “We will repeat what we did in Gaza.”
Under the French plan, negotiations would take place between Israel and Lebanon, with backing from the United States and France. The talks would begin at the level of senior diplomats and then progress to high-ranking political leaders, with France hoping to host the discussions in Paris.
Sources suggest that the proposed “political declaration” would feature Lebanon’s initial recognition of Israel and the Lebanese government’s commitment to respect Israel’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Furthermore, both Israel and Lebanon would reaffirm their commitment to United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which concluded the 2006 war, along with a ceasefire agreement set for 2024.
The Lebanese government would pledge to prevent any attacks against Israel from its territory, implement a disarmament strategy for Hezbollah, and prohibit military activity by the group.
The French initiative calls for the repositioning of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, with Israel agreeing to withdraw within a month from territories it has occupied since the onset of the current war. Both parties would utilize a monitoring mechanism led by the United States to address ceasefire violations and imminent threats.
An agreement is anticipated to be signed within two months, potentially bringing an end to the state of war that has persisted between the two nations since 1948. Both sides would commit to resolving disputes peacefully and establishing security arrangements.
The final phase of the French plan aims to delineate the borders between Israel and Lebanon, as well as between Lebanon and Syria, by the end of 2026.
