Lebanese cabinet approves US proposal

The Lebanese cabinet discussed the US proposal, which calls for the disarmament of all armed groups, including Hezbollah, in exchange for Israel halting its attacks on Lebanon and withdrawing its troops from five points it still occupies in southern Lebanon. Five Shiite ministers representing Hezbollah and the Amal Movement left the meeting in protest.

Lebanese Minister of Information Paul Morcos stated in his announcement that the cabinet approved the articles on the first page of the proposal submitted by the US to Lebanon, which include keeping all weapons under state control and disarming all armed groups, including Hezbollah.

Morcos noted that the articles accepted by the Lebanese cabinet include the withdrawal of Israel from Lebanese territory, the cessation of all hostilities including land, air, and sea violations, and the establishment of a permanent border between Israel and Lebanon, as well as between Syria and Lebanon. Morcos emphasized that the implementation of these articles depends on all countries mentioned in the agreement fulfilling their stated obligations.

Responding to the question of how disarmament will be carried out in the face of Hezbollah's refusal to cooperate, and whether it will be done through the use of force, Morcos said that it would be implemented in accordance with a plan that will also include a timeline to be presented by the Lebanese army by the end of August.

The first phase of the US proposal includes the Lebanese government issuing a decree within 15 days committing to the complete disarmament of Hezbollah by December 31, and Israel halting all military operations against Lebanon.

In the second phase of the proposal, the Lebanese government will begin implementing the disarmament plan within 60 days, while Israel will begin withdrawing its troops from the 5 points it occupies in southern Lebanon. At the same time, Lebanese prisoners held by Israel will be released in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross.

In the third phase of the proposal, within 90 days, Israel will withdraw from the last two of the five points it occupies in southern Lebanon and will provide funding for the removal of debris in Lebanon and the initiation of infrastructure work in preparation for reconstruction.

In the fourth phase of the proposal, within 120 days, Hezbollah's remaining heavy weapons, including missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, will be destroyed, and the US, Saudi Arabia, France, Qatar, and other friendly countries will organize an economic conference to support the Lebanese economy and its reconstruction.

News Source: İHA