Lebanon: French Proposal Offers Potential Path to Peace with Israel | Israel News Today

Lebanon has signaled interest in a French initiative aimed at easing tensions with Israel and addressing border issues, seeing it as a promising step towards stability, as per a letter from Lebanon's foreign ministry obtained by Reuters.

Tensions have risen between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel along the southern border since October, alongside the conflict in Gaza. International efforts are underway to de-escalate tensions and prevent broader regional conflict.

The French plan, presented to Lebanon last month and revealed by Reuters, outlines a phased approach involving 

• halting military activities, 
• removing armed groups, and 
• deploying Lebanese army units along the border.

For any agreement to succeed, Hezbollah's approval, given its significant influence in Lebanon, is crucial. Hezbollah has signaled its commitment to engage with Israel until a ceasefire is reached in Gaza between Israel and Hamas.

Lebanon's foreign ministry expressed optimism in its letter to the French embassy, viewing the French proposal as a significant step towards peace and security in Lebanon and the region.

Though specifics of the French plan were not disclosed in the letter, Lebanon emphasized the importance of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Resolution 1701 calls for disarming non-state armed groups in southern Lebanon and deploying Lebanese armed forces in the region.

Lebanon reiterated its commitment to peace, calling for an end to what it sees as Israeli violations of its territorial sovereignty by land, air, and sea. The letter indicated Lebanon's willingness to resume discussions with UN peacekeepers and Israel once such violations cease, aiming to address disputes and fully implement Resolution 1701.

Meanwhile, Lebanon is in discussions with the United States, with U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein actively involved in seeking a diplomatic resolution to border tensions.