Axios reported, citing sources, that “the French government has drafted a proposal to end the war in Lebanon that requires the Lebanese government to take the unprecedented step of recognizing Israel, and Israel and the United States are currently reviewing the proposal.” The sources revealed that "the Lebanese government approved the plan as a basis for peace talks in light of deep concern that the renewed war that broke out after Hezbollah missile attacks on Israel could lead to the destruction of the country. The French proposal is for Israel and Lebanon to open negotiations with the support of the United States and France to reach a 'political declaration' to be agreed upon within one month, with us beginning negotiations at the level of senior diplomats before moving to the level of senior political leadership. French officials want these talks to be held in Paris." According to the sources, “The proposed declaration will include preliminary Lebanese recognition of Israel and a commitment from the Lebanese government to respect Israel’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The French proposal also refers to the redeployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, with Israel simultaneously withdrawing within one month from the areas it has controlled since the beginning of the current war. UNIFIL forces will verify the disarmament of Hezbollah south of the Litani River, while a coalition of countries authorized by the UN Security Council will supervise the process of disarming the party in the rest of Lebanon. According to Axios, “The proposal also stipulates that Lebanon declare its readiness to open negotiations on a permanent non-aggression agreement with Israel, and after signing the non-aggression agreement, Israel will withdraw from five sites in southern Lebanon controlled by its forces since November 2024. The proposed declaration will also include an initial Lebanese recognition of Israel and a commitment from the Lebanese government to respect Israel’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.” The French proposal stipulates that Israel and Lebanon open negotiations with the support of the United States and France to reach a “political declaration” to be agreed upon within one month.