The president of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, confirmed that Lebanon received from the United States a draft conflict resolution plan that provides for a ceasefire on the border between Lebanon and Israel.
This was reported by the Saudi publication Asharq Al-Awsat.
According to the newspaper, the document includes 13 points, including the transfer of control over the southern regions of Lebanon following the withdrawal of Israeli troops to the Lebanese army, which will be assisted by the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). ).
Berri noted that the Lebanese government is preparing a response to the proposals presented, including its comments and additions. At the same time, he stressed that Lebanon will reject the clause that provides for the creation, under the auspices of the United States, of a commission to monitor the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701. According to him, this task has already been entrusted to UN peacekeepers and there is no need to create a new mechanism.
Sources in Beirut cited by the publication said that Lebanon is also concerned about the clause confirming the “right of the parties to self-defense.” Beirut fears that this provision could give Israel reasons to commit further violations of Lebanese sovereignty.
According to the draft, Israel must withdraw its troops from southern Lebanon within seven days after the agreement comes into force. In turn, Lebanon is committed to preventing the activities of illegal armed groups and suppressing the supply of weapons through smuggling.
Berry said negotiations on the details are ongoing and taking place in a positive atmosphere. He also noted that the visit of American mediator Amos Hochstein to Beirut depends on the progress of the negotiations and the willingness of the parties to sign an agreement.
Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reports that Israel assesses that Hezbollah remains combat-ready and likely will not rush to a deal. At the same time, the Israeli side assumes that Lebanon and Hezbollah will not accept a clause giving the Israeli army freedom of action in case of violation of the agreement.
The state media corporation Kan clarifies that, according to the project, the only armed force in the southern regions of Lebanon will remain the Lebanese army, with the support of UNIFIL. The sale and production of weapons in Lebanon will be under government control.
It was previously reported that the key point of contention remains the mechanism for monitoring the implementation of Resolution 1701. Berri emphasized that Lebanon insists on using the existing mechanism provided for in the resolution and rejects the proposal to create a new committee.
The resolution includes demands for the withdrawal of Hezbollah militants beyond the Litani River line and an end to Israeli military operations in Lebanon. The Lebanese side insists that the resolution be implemented within the framework of existing procedures.
