Axios Exclusive: French Peace Proposal for Lebanon to Recognize Israel
France has presented a plan to end the war in Lebanon, which requires Beirut's government to recognize Israel, a historic step under consideration by Israel and the US.
France has proposed a plan aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in Lebanon, marking a significant diplomatic move by requesting the Beirut government to officially recognize Israel. This unprecedented proposal, currently under review by both Israel and the United States, seeks to alleviate regional tensions and diminish Hezbollah's influence, paving the way for a landmark peace agreement in a volatile Middle Eastern context.
The outlined plan includes negotiations supported by France and the US, targeting the establishment of a political declaration within one month. As part of this proposal, Lebanon would not only recognize Israel but also commit to respecting its sovereignty and territorial integrity. Simultaneously, both nations are expected to affirm their commitment to UN resolutions and the 2024 ceasefire agreement, which underlines the critical importance of international support in shaping the peace process.
In terms of military adjustments, the Lebanese Armed Forces are set to increase their presence south of the Litani River, while Israel is expected to withdraw from territories it occupied since the conflict began. UN peacekeeping forces will be tasked with verifying the disbandment of military forces in the region, illustrating a structured approach to ensure compliance with the proposed peace terms. This development represents a potential turning point in Middle Eastern diplomacy, though the actual implementation and acceptance of the proposal remain uncertain amid ongoing hostilities.