Israel Rejects French Proposal on Lebanon Border

Reports from the Jerusalem Post indicate that Israel has declined a French proposal concerning the withdrawal of its forces from southern Lebanon. The proposal, linked to UN Resolution 1701, suggests a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area. According to an Israeli military source, the decision reinforces Israel's stance on preventing ceasefire violations and stopping rocket fire from Lebanon. A Lebanese official and diplomat informed Reuters that Israel demanded the continued presence of its forces in five locations in southern Lebanon until February 28. Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri reportedly conveyed to American officials Lebanon's rejection of the continued presence of Israeli forces in five southern locations after February 18. Disagreements persist, with the Israeli side insisting on maintaining its positions, while France proposes assistance in the withdrawal process, a solution opposed by both parties. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian stated, "We have been working on a proposal that would guarantee Israel's security concerns related to the withdrawal in the long term. Our proposal involves deploying forces from UNIFIL, including French forces, in the areas where the Israeli army is stationed in southern Lebanon, a proposal supported by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres." This proposal aims to ensure Tel Aviv's acceptance of the implementation and handover of locations currently held by UNIFIL forces since the declaration of the ceasefire agreement on November 26, which will be deployed in the south with the Lebanese army.