Paris Urges Gaza Truce for Lebanon by Month’s End, Report Says

Recent delegations from France encompassing diplomatic, military, and security representatives have made trips to Lebanon and Israel with the objective of formulating a plan to resolve tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border, according to a report released on Monday by al-Akhbar newspaper.

The report highlighted French assurances to Lebanese officials of imminent progress towards a Gaza ceasefire, as guaranteed by Washington, with expectations set for a resolution before the month’s end.

A Lebanese diplomatic source shared with al-Akhbar that France has proposed a security plan to Lebanon, necessitating extensive deliberations. This proposal draws inspiration from the April 1996 agreement, which advocated for the avoidance of civilian attacks by both parties and suggested border measures applicable to both Lebanon and Israel.

French officials communicated to Le Monde their intention to distinguish the Lebanese situation from the ongoing Gaza Strip conflict, offering a strategy aimed at swiftly halting the hostilities. This plan, shared with Lebanese authorities last Tuesday, had previously been discussed with Israel, involving input from French foreign and defense ministry representatives.

The French proposal includes steps towards a gradual de-escalation, such as Hezbollah retracting its forces 8 to 10 kilometers away from the border, beyond the reach of their anti-tank missiles, and abstaining from reconstructing military bases and watchtowers demolished by Israeli forces post-October 8.

Furthermore, France is advocating for enhanced support for the Lebanese Army to facilitate additional deployments along the border. This effort was underscored by the visit of French Army Chief Thierry Burkhard to Beirut on Friday.

Al-Akhbar also reported discussions between the French delegation and the Lebanese Army Command regarding the deployment of over 10,000 soldiers to the border area, though material constraints were cited as a barrier to this endeavor.

Sources familiar with the matter told al-Akhbar that Israel is unlikely to initiate a war with Lebanon, interpreting recent threats as negotiation tactics rather than genuine intentions for conflict.