00:00 According to a media report by Reuters, France has presented a new written proposal to Beirut
00:07 aiming to resolve the hostilities with Israel and settle the dispute between Lebanon-Israel
00:12 frontier.
00:14 The plan calls for Hezbollah's elite unit and other fighters to withdraw 10km from the
00:20 border aiming to defuse tensions, fuelling concerns of a catastrophic confrontation.
00:25 The proposal that is delivered to top Lebanese officials including Prime Minister Najib
00:30 Mikati by French Foreign Minister Stephen Sejour.
00:33 The proposal emphasizes preventing a conflict from escalating out of control.
00:38 It envisions on negotiations on delineating the contentious land border between Lebanon
00:43 and Israel.
00:44 Hezbollah insists on delaying formal negotiations until Gaza war concludes, as reiterated by
00:50 a party member.
00:51 While similar mediation efforts by the US envoy Amos Hoshain has also circulated, the
00:56 full details of France's proposal have not been reported until now.
01:01 It's actually a three-step plan.
01:02 The three-step plan suggests a 10-day process of de-escalation culminating in border negotiations.
01:08 France with significant ties to Lebanon has involved itself in peace-building efforts.
01:13 The proposal entails a ceasefire between the Lebanese armed group and Israel, including
01:18 halting Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon.
01:20 It calls for dismantling of facilities near the border and withdrawal of combat forces
01:25 including Hezbollah's elite Radwan fighters 10 km north of the border.
01:31 The shorter withdrawal aims to prevent rocket attacks on northern Israel, balancing Hezbollah's
01:35 interest.
01:36 Up to 15,000 Lebanese troops would deploy in south Lebanon, a Hezbollah stronghold.
01:42 However, Hezbollah's response remains contingent on Gaza's situation.
01:46 The Lebanese officials have expressed concern over the proposal's vague language regarding
01:50 dismantling facilities near the border, fearing it may target Hezbollah-affiliated civilian
01:55 institutions.
01:56 The ongoing conflict has displaced tens of thousands and already led to casualties on
02:01 both sides, yet the both sides express a desire to avoid an all-out war.
02:07 Addressing Lebanon's weakened military, the proposal also calls for the international
02:10 body to equip and finance the Lebanese army amidst a severe financial crisis.
02:16 However, one must note that Hezbollah has shown openness to state-led negotiations with
02:21 Israel, particularly regarding the border dispute.
02:24 However, the key issues still include the financing of the Lebanese army and socio-economic
02:29 development in south Lebanon, as diplomatic efforts intensify, hopes for de-escalation
02:35 still remain intertwined with regional complexities and political dynamics.
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