Lebanon Welcomes International Initiative for Post-UNIFIL Period, Proposes Peace Plan

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has welcomed a French-Italian-led international coalition to prepare for the end of the UNIFIL mission in December 2026, while also proposing a peace plan involving Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the establishment of 'pilot zones' under Lebanese army control.

International Initiative

President Aoun expressed satisfaction with the initiative announced by French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to form a coalition for the post-UNIFIL period. He stated it is "a sincere expression of the international community's commitment to supporting Lebanon's sovereignty and stability" Source: infobae. Aoun emphasized the need to "avoid any dangerous vacuum" after UNIFIL's departure, noting that the Lebanese army is the "only real guarantee for the security of the south" Source: infobae.

Peace Plan and Reactions

Separately, Aoun revealed a plan for "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon, where Israeli forces would withdraw and be replaced by Lebanese troops under US and EU supervision Source: elespanol. The plan includes the return of displaced residents and the exclusion of Hezbollah from these areas. However, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejected the proposal, stating there are "no experimental zones or safe zones for Israel" in southern Lebanon Source: elespanol. The US has reportedly committed to verifying that Lebanese troops are not infiltrated by Hezbollah, a condition for Israeli withdrawal Source: elespanol. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Israel would occupy southern Lebanon "as long as necessary" Source: elespanol.