Report: Hochstein with proposal, Borrell’s stance on Shebaa Farms

Amos Hochstein, a U.S. mediator, is set to present a substantial proposal to Lebanon addressing the ongoing border tensions with Israel. This initiative is part of the United States’ broader effort to mitigate the escalating conflict, which poses a threat to U.S. interests in the region. Hochstein’s proposal includes recommendations for resolving the border dispute. This involves Hezbollah’s Radwan forces pulling back north of the Litani River and ceasing rocket attacks on Israeli positions. In exchange, Israeli forces would withdraw from occupied territories, including Ghajar and other contested areas. The contentious Shebaa Farms region would be placed under United Nations custody.

In related developments, Josep Borrell, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, delivered a similar proposal during his recent visit to Lebanon. Borrell communicated Israel’s willingness to temporarily transfer control of Shebaa Farms to the U.N., on the condition that Hezbollah retreats north of the Litani River. Deputy Speaker Elias Bou Saab had a preliminary meeting with Hochstein in Rome before the latter’s anticipated visit to Beirut, which is expected to occur on Thursday or Friday. The aim of these proposals is to provide a comprehensive solution to the Lebanon-Israel border conflict, including the issue of Shebaa Farms.