How would an agreement be implemented?published at 8:25 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time

08:25 GMT

Hugo Bachega
Middle East correspondent, in Beirut

Image source, Reuters

The details of the agreement remain unclear and the agreement is not yet concluded, but one of the key points appears to be how to enforce its implementation.

The proposal is based on the terms of United Nations Resolution 1701, which ended the war between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006.

This requires, among other things, that Hezbollah withdraw its fighters and weapons from the area south of the Litani River, approximately 30 km (20 miles) from the Blue Line, which is the unofficial border between Lebanon and Israel. . The resolution was never fully implemented, with both sides alleging violations.

During the US-led talks, it was made clear to Lebanese authorities that the post-2006 situation, in which Hezbollah was allowed to build extensive infrastructure along the border, would not be repeated.

The international community will become more involved in monitoring the agreement’s implementation, with the United States leading a five-country committee, and the U.N. peacekeeping force in the south will be strengthened.

During the 60-day ceasefire, the Lebanese army is expected to strengthen its presence in the south. But questions remain about how they will be deployed. The military complains of not having the resources – financial, human and material – necessary to fulfill their obligations.

But it’s not just a question of funding, which will likely come from some of Lebanon’s international allies. Will the Lebanese army confront Hezbollah if necessary?

This would pit Lebanese against Lebanese, which is always a risk in a country where sectarian divisions run deep. It seems that Lebanese authorities have accepted that things need to change, one diplomat told me, and that there is political will to do so.