Lebanon Responds to French Proposal Amid Escalating Tensions with Israel

Lebanon is preparing its response to the latest French proposal aimed at defusing tensions with Israel along the southern border. The proposal, which includes some acceptable points and others that need amending according to Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, was shared with Lebanese authorities on Tuesday by French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne.

Why this matters: The escalating tensions between Lebanon and Israel have the potential to spark a wider regional conflict, drawing in other countries and destabilizing the entire Middle East. A successful resolution to this crisis could have a significant impact on regional security and global geopolitics.

The French initiative comes amid escalating daily cross-border strikes between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah over the past six months, raising fears of a wider regional conflict. The proposal reportedly includes Hezbollah's elite unit pulling back 10km from the Israeli border and Israel halting strikes in southern Lebanon. It also addresses long-term border issues and has been discussed with partners, including the United States.

Berri stated, "It wouldn't be right to discuss it before the media before receiving the French response and how much they will be receptive to our comments." He revealed that the proposal was surprisingly written in English and condemned Israel for its systematic destruction of Lebanese towns and villages along the border, citing the use of internationally banned phosphorous bombs.

Former Progressive Socialist Party head Walid Jumblatt recently met with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace to discuss the war in southern Lebanon, UN resolution 1701, France's role in the region, and the French initiative. The party's Secretary General Zafer Nasser noted the inconsistent coordination between the Americans and the French, highlighting the complexity of the situation.

Nasser emphasized that while the Progressive Socialist Party disagrees with Hezbollah on many issues, they were the first to urge them not to expand the scope of the war on the southern border. "The situation in the south requires a different evaluation by political forces, as the problem lies with Israel, not with Hezbollah,"he stated.

Hezbollah has amassed a large arsenal since 2006, and thousands of people on both sides of the border have been displaced since October. Israel has flagged a potential military operation along its northern front, saying it wants to restore calm on the border with Lebanon. However, Hezbollah has said it will not enter concrete discussions until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, where the war between Israel and Hamas is in its seventh month.

Lebanon's Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri is set to respond to the latest French proposal on Friday or Saturday. The response reportedly enjoys unconditional support from Hezbollah and caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati. As tensions continue to simmer along the southern border, the outcome of the French initiative and Lebanon's response could have significant implications for stability in the region.

Key Takeaways

• Lebanon reviews French proposal to ease tensions with Israel along southern border.
• Proposal includes Hezbollah's elite unit pulling back 10km from Israeli border.
• Israel would halt strikes in southern Lebanon, addressing long-term border issues.
• Lebanon's response, backed by Hezbollah and PM Mikati, expected on Friday or Saturday.
• Outcome could impact regional security and global geopolitics.