Cessation of Hostilities and Enhanced Security Commitments between Israel and…
Cessation of Hostilities and Enhanced Security Commitments between Israel and Lebanon 1. Cessation of Hostilities • Israel and Lebanon agree to a full cessation of hostilities at a specified time and date, following discussions involving the United States and other entities. This agreement aims to reduce escalation along the Blue Line. 2. Commitment to UNSCR 1701 • The agreement reinforces the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1701, focusing on long-term peace and stability. It also references UNSCR 1559, emphasizing the disarmament of non-state actors within Lebanon. 3. Role of Hezbollah and Armed Groups • All armed groups, including Hezbollah, commit to refraining from offensive operations against Israel. Similarly, Israel agrees not to conduct offensive operations against Lebanese targets. 4. Preservation of Self-Defense Rights • Both countries retain the right to self-defense, ensuring that this agreement does not limit their sovereign rights to respond to direct threats. 5. UNIFIL’s Role • The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) will oversee the area south of the Blue Line, ensuring only state forces and UN peacekeepers have a presence. They will work closely with Lebanese authorities to enforce security. 6. Arms Regulation • Lebanon commits to regulating the entry, sale, and distribution of arms within its territory. The Lebanese government will also ensure non-state groups do not rearm, particularly in areas close to the border. 7. Border Security Measures • Lebanon will monitor and control its border crossings to prevent unauthorized entry of arms and related materials, particularly focusing on the areas detailed in Annex A of the agreement. 8. Withdrawal and Deployment of Forces • Israel agrees to withdraw forces from designated areas within seven days after hostilities cease. The Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) will simultaneously deploy to key locations as specified in Annex A, with logistical support from UNIFIL. 9. Monitoring Mechanism • An International/Independent Monitoring and Enforcement Mechanism (IMEM), chaired by the United States and supported by international representatives, will monitor compliance with the cessation of hostilities. This body will investigate alleged violations and recommend actions if required. 10. Increased Deployment of LAF • Over an initial 60-day period, Lebanon will steadily increase the number of LAF personnel in the south, reaching a deployment target as supported by the Military Technical Committee (MTC), involving the U.S. and European partners. 11. Economic and Capacity-Building Initiatives • The United States, along with other stakeholders, commits to supporting economic development and capacity-building efforts in Lebanon. This aims to enhance stability and prosperity within Lebanese regions affected by the conflict. 12. Facilitation of Indirect Negotiations • Following the initial implementation phase, the United States and other international partners will facilitate indirect negotiations between Israel and Lebanon to resolve remaining issues related to UNSCR 1701 and other disputed areas. 13. Future Inspections and Compliance Checks • The IMEM will develop procedures for conducting inspections and other measures to ensure adherence to the agreement, particularly concerning disarmament and border security. 14. Implementation Timeline • The agreement includes a phased approach over 60 days, during which Lebanon will work on disarming all non-state actors in designated areas, and the IMEM will ensure confiscated materials are securely managed.