France has drafted a proposal aimed at ending the war in Lebanon, which includes a controversial requirement that the Lebanese government formally recognize Israel, according to sources familiar with the plan.
The proposal is currently being reviewed by both Israel and the United States, while Lebanese officials have reportedly accepted the framework as a basis for potential peace negotiations amid growing concern that the ongoing conflict could devastate the country.
Under the French initiative, Israel and Lebanon would begin negotiations supported by France and the United States on a political declaration that would be finalized within one month. The proposed declaration would include Lebanon’s initial recognition of Israel and a commitment to respect its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The plan also calls for Lebanon to prevent attacks from its territory and implement measures to disarm Hezbollah and ban its military activity. At the same time, the Lebanese Armed Forces would redeploy south of the Litani River, while Israel would withdraw from areas captured during the current war within approximately one month.
The framework proposes that UNIFIL peacekeepers verify Hezbollah’s disarmament south of the Litani River, while an international coalition mandated by the UN Security Council would oversee disarmament efforts across the rest of Lebanon.
In a later phase, the two countries would begin negotiations toward a permanent non-aggression agreement, potentially ending the formal state of war between Israel and Lebanon that has existed since 1948. The proposal also includes plans to demarcate the borders between Israel and Lebanon, and between Lebanon and Syria, by the end of 2026.
The initiative comes as Israel prepares for a possible large-scale ground operation in southern Lebanon, increasing pressure for diplomatic efforts to prevent a prolonged occupation and further regional escalation.
