Border diplomacy: Lebanon's stance on French proposal and Syrian concerns

Report by Yazbek Wehbe, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

France has forwarded a diplomatic note, commonly referred to as a "non-paper," to Lebanese authorities outlining a series of ideas aimed at de-escalating tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli border.

The document, sent through the French embassy, presents a detailed ten-day timeline starting with the cessation of hostile activities, a ceasefire, a Hezbollah retreat, and ultimately the stabilization of calm.

Lebanon's official response, conveyed by Minister Abdallah Bou Habib to French Ambassador Hervé Magro, focused on the immediate implementation of UN Resolution 1701.

This resolution, dating back to 2006, has been repeatedly violated by Israel, while Lebanon stands ready to enforce it comprehensively.

Lebanese sources indicate that the essence of the French proposal was to secure tranquility to facilitate the return of residents of northern Israel to their towns.

However, Lebanon rejects separating this issue from the situation in the south.

Minister Bou Habib briefed Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri on the response to the French proposal.

In addition to addressing the French memorandum, Lebanon responded to a Syrian memorandum protesting the British-assisted establishment of surveillance towers along the borders in the Bekaa and the north.

Syria argues that these towers pose a threat to its national security and could potentially transmit information to Israel through the British.

Lebanon's reply, crafted by the Lebanese Army leadership and transmitted through diplomatic channels to Damascus, reaffirmed that these towers operate solely under Lebanese Army management.

It emphasized the absence of British officers within them and their lack of connection to any foreign embassy, dismissing any espionage implications.

Furthermore, Lebanon underscored the significant role these surveillance centers have played since 2013 in monitoring borders, combating terrorist groups, and curbing human and goods trafficking.