Mikati Gets New Border Proposal from Paris – Report

France has submitted a revised proposal to Lebanon concerning the ongoing border conflict with Israel, as reported by the al-Akhbar newspaper on Monday. Lebanese caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati discussed this issue during a meeting in Paris on Friday with French President Emmanuel Macron, who emphasized France’s commitment to preventing further escalation of violence between Lebanon and Israel.

Originally, a plan submitted by France in February suggested that Hezbollah withdraw its forces by 10 kilometers from the Israel-Lebanon border, according to a Lebanese government official who spoke to The Associated Press. The latest proposal, however, incorporates significant changes that align closely with Israeli demands, raising concerns among Lebanese political circles, al-Akhbar noted. These amendments aim to implement United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701 in three phases.

Lebanon is expected to formally respond to France’s new proposal in the coming days.

The backdrop to these diplomatic efforts is the ongoing exchange of fire between Hezbollah and Israel since October 8, which has resulted in the deaths of at least 322 people on the Lebanese side, including 56 civilians, and the deaths of 10 Israeli soldiers and seven civilians. The conflict has also displaced tens of thousands from their homes on both sides of the border. Amid these tensions, Israel has repeatedly indicated it might undertake a military operation against Hezbollah to ensure the safety of its citizens.