Amid escalating hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, international efforts to draft a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire are intensifying. While Lebanon maintains its commitment to Resolution 1701, the international community, particularly Israel, is pushing for changes. Israel advocates for the abolition or amendment of Resolution 1701, or the enforcement of Resolution 1559, which calls for Hezbollah’s disarmament and the end of its military capabilities.

The UN Security Council has convened four sessions to discuss the situation in Lebanon and work towards a new resolution or political settlement. However, these efforts have been met with challenges, primarily due to the United States' refusal to support any formal decision, in contrast to France's enthusiasm for finding a solution.

Resolution 1701, which has been in effect since 2006, is now viewed as insufficient by the international community. Notably, U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein and other international officials have begun advocating for a "1701 Plus" formula, indicating a potential addition of new clauses and amendments. 

Draft Resolution: A Comprehensive Approach

Al-Modon news portal has obtained a copy of the draft resolution currently being discussed by influential countries. This proposal goes beyond merely establishing a ceasefire as it combines multiple international resolutions and political initiatives. Key provisions include cessation of hostilities, border demarcation, ending the border dispute, ensuring the smooth operation of international forces, disarming Hezbollah, and enforcing Resolutions 1559, 1680, and 1701. 

The draft also calls for significant political change within Lebanon, including a political settlement, holding presidential or early parliamentary elections, and the formation of a government potentially made up of political technocrats. The draft underlines the importance of restructuring Lebanon’s political framework to stabilize the country.

Key Provisions of the Draft Resolution

The draft resolution, currently under review by Security Council members, highlights the need for Lebanon to comply with all previous resolutions, specifically those concerning its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and political independence. The preamble of the draft expresses grave concern about the ongoing escalation in Lebanon and Israel since Hezbollah's attack on October 8, 2023, which resulted in hundreds of casualties, widespread infrastructure damage, and the displacement of hundreds of thousands.

The resolution's main points include:

1. Ceasefire: Calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities, with Hezbollah halting attacks on Israel and Israel ceasing all offensive military operations against Lebanon.
   
2. International Roadmap: Endorses the U.S.-French-proposed roadmap to resolve the war and Lebanon’s political crisis, which includes re-establishing Lebanon’s authority through presidential elections, the formation of an independent government, and free parliamentary elections within 60 days.

3. Blue Line Security: Reaffirms strong support for respecting the Blue Line and preventing violations along the Lebanese-Israeli border.

4. Lebanon’s Sovereignty: Reiterates support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and political independence within its recognized borders, as stated in the 1949 Israeli-Lebanese armistice agreement.

5. Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction: Urges the international community to provide immediate financial and humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, ensure the safe return of displaced individuals, and ensure that Lebanon’s airports and ports are used solely for civilian purposes.

6. Government Authority: Stresses the need for Lebanon’s government to exert full control over its territory in line with Resolutions 1559 and 1680, as well as the terms of the Taif Agreement.

7. Permanent Ceasefire: Calls on Israel and Lebanon to work towards a permanent ceasefire based on mutual respect for territorial integrity, strict adherence to the Blue Line, and the demarcation of disputed borders, including the Shebaa Farms area.

8. Disarmament and Security Zone: Proposes security measures to prevent the resumption of hostilities, including the establishment of a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line and the Litani River, where only the Lebanese army and international peacekeeping forces would be deployed. 

9. International Support: Recommends the deployment of an international force, authorized under Chapter VII of the UN Charter, to support Lebanon’s armed forces and help implement a long-term ceasefire.

10. Weapons Embargo: Calls for an international embargo on the sale or supply of arms to Lebanon, except with the approval of its government and the UN Security Council.

11. Foreign Forces: Demands the withdrawal of all foreign forces in Lebanon, particularly Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which operates without the Lebanese government’s consent.

12. Landmine Maps: Requests that Israel provide remaining landmine maps to Lebanon as part of post-conflict reconstruction.

UN Secretary-General’s Role

The draft resolution assigns significant responsibilities to the UN Secretary-General, requesting him to facilitate discussions between Lebanon and Israel to reach an agreement on a long-term solution. This includes resolving disputed border areas like the Shebaa Farms and addressing Hezbollah's disarmament, as required by Resolutions 1559 and 1680. The Secretary-General is also tasked with reporting back to the Security Council within 30 days on progress made towards implementing the proposed solutions.

Humanitarian Considerations

The draft underscores the importance of allowing humanitarian aid to reach affected populations and ensuring the safe return of displaced persons. It stresses that all parties must refrain from actions that could jeopardize these efforts.

Possible Deployment of International Forces

Should Lebanon and Israel agree to the proposed long-term solution, the Security Council plans to authorize the deployment of an international force to support Lebanese government forces in maintaining security and implementing a lasting ceasefire. UNIFIL will continue to monitor the situation on the ground and ensure the delivery of humanitarian assistance.