As political circles await President Saad Hariri's expected statement today on the 19th anniversary of his father, former Prime Minister Rafik Hariri's assassination—an indication of his potential return to political activity—there was significant attention yesterday on rumors of a French proposal aimed at ending ongoing confrontations on the southern front between Hezbollah and Israel. In this context, the presidential file seems to have receded to the background, awaiting developments at the domestic level and from the Arab-international quintet.
No new developments have emerged in the presidential file, which has been pushed to the sidelines due to a paralyzing waiting period that follows every political or diplomatic movement. A political source disclosed to "Al-Jumhouria" that Speaker of the House Nabih Berri will not call for dialogue again, citing previous attempts where each party declared its stance, and none wanted dialogue or even consultation. The source emphasized that current conditions related to the war are dominating everyone’s interests. Additionally, there have been no new developments following the meeting between the ambassadors of the quintet and President Berri, with no steps or programs currently in place as they await the completion of French envoy Jean-Yves Le Drian's foreign tour and his return.
Furthermore, the scene in Bayt al-Wasat yesterday suggested preparations for significant political settlements in the region, with Lebanon expected to have a share in these negotiations. Meanwhile, the Lebanese southern borders appeared to be responding to the ongoing French and American proposals with fire. A senior political source in direct contact with Hezbollah stated to "Al-Jumhouria" that the French proposals presented to relevant parties in Lebanon do not constitute a comprehensive document; they are merely unstructured ideas arranged as a phased implementation plan, yet are biased toward the Israelis. The source continued, stating that the ideas align with the Hochstein proposals and are subject to discussion and can be accepted, rejected, or modified after deliberation. He affirmed their clear position: they seek the implementation of Resolution 1701, which supersedes all other proposals and ideas.
**French Proposal**
Reuters reported yesterday that France submitted a written proposal to Lebanon aimed at halting fighting with Israel and reaching a settlement regarding the disputed borders between the two sides. According to the document, fighters, including the elite unit of "Hezbollah," are to withdraw 10 kilometers from the border, with the plan aimed at ending combat between Hezbollah and Israel across the border.
Four senior Lebanese officials and three French officials informed Reuters that French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné delivered the document last week to top Lebanese officials, including Prime Minister Najib Mikati. This represents the first written proposal submitted to Lebanon during the ongoing Western mediation efforts spanning weeks.
The proposal aims to prevent the outbreak of a conflict that could spiral out of control, enforcing a potential ceasefire when conditions permit, and eventually foresees negotiations on the disputed land borders. A French diplomatic source revealed that the proposal was presented to the governments of Israel and Lebanon as well as to Hezbollah. A Western diplomat familiar with the two-page written proposal indicated that the shorter withdrawal distance would help ensure that missiles do not reach northern Israeli villages that have been targeted by anti-tank missiles, serving as a more palatable compromise for "Hezbollah" than a retreat to the Litani River.
Moreover, the proposal also stipulates the deployment of up to 15,000 Lebanese army soldiers in the border area in southern Lebanon, a political stronghold for "Hezbollah," where party fighters have long integrated into the community during times of calm.
In response to a question about the proposal, MP Hassan Fadlallah confirmed to Reuters that the party will not discuss any matters related to the situation in the south before an end to the aggression on Gaza. He further stated that the enemy is not in a position to impose conditions. Fadlallah refrained from commenting on the details of the proposal or whether Hezbollah received it.
A Lebanese official confirmed that the document gathers ideas discussed during communications with Western envoys and conveyed to the party, adding that French officials informed the Lebanese that it is not a final paper, especially after Beirut raised objections to parts of it.
