France’s peace plan between Israel and Lebanon on the horizon
Amid French involvement in a peace-plan between Israel and Lebanon, there has been a small respite in violence along the volatile border, according to Arab News and agencies on May 4.
Officials met in Beirut on May 4 to discuss France’s peace proposal, which centers on implementing UN Security Council Resolution 1701 – a resolution critical in ending the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
Later that same day, Israel’s Channel 12 news reported that the government believed itself to be approaching an agreement with both Hezbollah and Lebanon.
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Early May has seen a relative reduction in hostilities along the border, although several exchanges of fire occurred between both Israel and Hezbollah.
Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, confirmed receipt of France’s proposal, saying “It included acceptable points and others that are unacceptable and must be amended, subject to discussion and review”.
The plan’s first stage calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.
Lebanese armed groups would be forced to cease operations against Israel and abstain from targeting the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), and ensure unhindered movement for UNIFIL forces, extending to south of the Litani river.
Israel, in turn, would be forced to “halt military operations inside Lebanon, including airstrikes on Lebanese territory, refrain from any actions that may put UNIFIL personnel or facilities at risk, and ensure UNIFIL’s freedom of movement, including stopping the locking of aircraft radars on UNIFIL naval forces ships.”
UNIFIL’s primary aim would involve increasing patrols along the Blue Line and monitoring adherence to the ceasefire by both parties.
The Blue Line is a UN-drawn separation between Lebanon and Israel initially drawn in 2000.
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The plan’s subsequent stage entails the dismantling of military facilities near the Blue Line on the Lebanese side, and the withdrawal of self-declared resistance militias. Israel’s air force would be prohibited from entering Lebanese airspace.
During a ten-day third phase, diplomatic efforts would concentrate on negotiating a shared border agreement, building from earlier talks in 2017. This phase aims to establish a demilitarised zone between the Blue Line and Litani river.
International efforts would also focus on deploying Lebanese forces to southern Lebanon to foster social and economic development.
Meanwhile Lebanese authorities anticipate outcomes from negotiations in Cairo, over a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Hezbollah, part of Iran’s axis of resistance in addition to Hamas, has previously stated a Gaza ceasefire as a condition to ending its war with Israel.
Arab News / Agencies
