France, Italy Propose Lebanon Peace Plan Amid US-Israel Talks

France and Italy are advancing an independent peace plan for Lebanon within the UN Security Council, holding accelerated discussions with other member states to expedite the initiative. A French diplomat revealed the move to Al-Hadath, emphasizing close French-Italian cooperation. The plan is intended to run parallel to White House-led talks between Lebanon and Israel, without full coordination with them.

Sources close to the process state the primary goal is the "immediate preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty and integrity," though it remains unclear if the proposal includes disarming Hezbollah. While the United States holds veto power in the Security Council and could block proposals contrary to its stance, the creation of a parallel track offering more favorable terms to Beirut carries significant implications.

Israeli security officials are concerned that such a move could undermine Lebanon's motivation to reach an agreement, create confusion and disagreement within Lebanese leadership, and ultimately sideline the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament from the international agenda. They draw a parallel to the shortcomings of Resolution 1701 following the Second Lebanon War.