Lebanon, Israel may agree to 'declaration of intent': What does it involve?

A draft agreement, resembling a "declaration of intent" between Lebanon and Israel, is circulating in political and diplomatic circles,

an informed diplomatic source said.

This agreement, sponsored directly by the United States and spearheaded by the administration of President Donald Trump, is intended to pave the way for a comprehensive agreement that would end the ongoing conflict between the two sides, the source told al-Joumhouria newspaper in remarks published Thursday.

According to the source, the draft agreement is based on the principle that both the Lebanese and Israeli governments are committed to working towards a comprehensive understanding that establishes stable and peaceful relations.

This would be done in parallel with the reaffirmation of full Lebanese sovereignty over all Lebanese territory, within an approach that considers any future settlement to be one that guarantees the right of both Lebanon and Israel to live in security and peace within internationally recognized borders.

The source added that the proposed text includes a clause affirming Israel's full respect for Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity, along with a clear commitment to withdraw from all Lebanese territory and abandon any expansionist projects or ambitions. In contrast, the Lebanese side, according to the draft, emphasizes the Lebanese state's commitment to restoring and exercising its full authority over its territory and enshrining the state's monopoly on weapons and the use of force.

The Lebanese Armed Forces alone would assume security and military responsibilities, without any military or security role for any non-state armed groups on Lebanese soil, the source said.

The source noted that one of the most prominent points in the draft pertains to the arrangements on the ground in the south. The draft stipulates that the Israeli army hand over the Lebanese territories still occupied to the Lebanese Army, which would assume full security responsibility concurrently with the launch of a large-scale reconstruction process.

This process would allow for the return of displaced Lebanese to their villages and southern regions within a safe environment fully under the authority of the Lebanese state. The implementation mechanisms and timelines for this process would be agreed upon under American auspices.

In the same context, the source explained that "the United States and its international partners will support a comprehensive program to train and equip the Lebanese Army."

According to the same source, the document also includes a broad economic and financial component. It stipulates that the United States will convene international partners to support the Lebanese government in reconstruction projects, infrastructure repair, and economic recovery. This support will encompass investment programs, humanitarian aid, and economic recovery plans, enabling Lebanon to recover from the repercussions of years of war and accumulated crises.

The source confirmed that the draft explicitly calls for direct negotiations between the Lebanese and Israeli governments, mediated and facilitated by the United States. These negotiations are to continue "in good faith" until a comprehensive peace agreement is reached, guaranteeing security, stability and prosperity for both parties, the source said.