Key elements of a potential ceasefire and troop withdrawal plan involving Hezbollah, Israel, and the Lebanese Army were discussed in a recent meeting between Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein, according to a diplomatic source in Beirut.

The envoy is expected to further examine the proposal during his upcoming visit to Tel Aviv.

The proposed plan, centered on a 21-day ceasefire, would enable the immediate implementation of U.N. Resolution 1701, the source told the Kuwaiti Al-Anbaa newspaper. Under this framework, a cessation of hostilities would be observed between Israel and Hezbollah. 

“The next phase would involve Hezbollah’s withdrawal from areas south of the Litani River, moving their forces and equipment north, while Israeli forces would simultaneously pull back behind the 2000 withdrawal line, known as the ‘Blue Line'," the source added. 

Under the proposed plan, the Lebanese Army would bolster its presence in southern Lebanon, with troop numbers expected to reach 8,000. An international conference would then be convened to support the army’s mission, focusing on providing funding, equipment, and training.

To ensure compliance, an international monitoring committee is being considered, involving the U.S., France, the U.K., Germany, and other nations that might be willing to participate. The committee would oversee the withdrawal process, with an emphasis on Hezbollah’s repositioning north of the Litani and the Israeli military’s retreat beyond the Blue Line.

Provisions are also being explored to give UNIFIL greater freedom of movement in its designated area south of the Litani, with the Lebanese Army assisting in enforcing compliance with Resolution 1701.

The proposal also suggests tightening controls at Rafic Hariri International Airport, on official border crossings between Lebanon and Syria, and at seaports, using advanced technology to prevent arms smuggling. Efforts would also focus on promptly closing unofficial crossings commonly used for smuggling between Lebanon and Syria.

The final element of the plan seeks to initiate negotiations on a land border demarcation between Lebanon and Israel, using the same approach previously adopted for maritime boundary discussions. Resolving this issue could involve potential land swaps to address contentious areas, particularly near Ras Naqoura and the highlands of Adaisseh.

The source emphasized that Lebanese officials are approaching the negotiations with serious intent, although significant obstacles remain on the Israeli side, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s stance diverging from the objectives of nations advocating for a resolution.