Al-Akhbar: Hochstein proposed establishing international control over Lebanon’s borders

US Administration Special Envoy Amos Hochstein held talks in Beirut with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Head of Parliament Nabih Berri. The purpose of his mission was to create conditions for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.

According to Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese newspaper Al-Akhbar, the envoy proposed far-reaching amendments to UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the Second Lebanon War. It is alleged that the American proposal has been agreed upon with Israel.

According to the publication, the proposal includes expanding the presence of international observers to the northern bank of the Litani River, increasing the number of UNIFIL and Lebanese army units in the border region.

UN peacekeepers should be given the authority to inspect any sites suspected of storing or transporting weapons, including houses and vehicles, as well as conduct surprise inspections – without prior approval from the Lebanese authorities.

International forces should monitor the Lebanese coastline and conduct checks at ports. UN air traffic controllers will be sent to Beirut International Airport. It is proposed to take control of the Lebanese-Syrian border.

Hochstein’s Lebanese interlocutors told him that resolution No. 1701 was clear and did not need amendment. Let us note that this resolution provides for the withdrawal of Hezbollah militants from the border. This condition was violated with the consent of the Lebanese government and with the full connivance of UNIFIL.