The leaked "Washington negotiations" document. Israeli Dictates to South Lebanon
The third round of Lebanese-Israeli negotiations in Washington came down yesterday and it was agreed to extend the ceasefire in Lebanon for 45 days, with Washington leading subsequent military negotiations between Beirut and Tel Aviv, according to the US State Department.
Hidden Scenes and Israeli Conditions
Lebanese sources following up on the negotiation file said that the brief statement issued by the US State Department on the negotiations did not include details of the in-depth and sensitive discussions that took place between the Lebanese and Israeli delegations in Washington.
The follow-up sources indicated that the scenes carried many items that Tel Aviv put on the table with the absolute support of the United States.
According to the data, the Israeli conditions went beyond the idea of a "ceasefire and withdrawal", to demand strict security guarantees, a determination of the status of the Lebanese Army, and the linking of the future of southern Lebanon, reconstruction and the return of displaced persons to a series of dictates conditional on the disarmament of Hezbollah, and the start of direct negotiations between the two parties.
Declaration of Intent
In this context, the sources revealed an expanded draft of the items discussed on the negotiating table.
Although this draft is not final and has not yet been officially announced, it clearly refers to a "declaration of intent" document being circulated under the auspices of President Donald Trump's administration, and carries dangerous connotations that mimic the documents that Israel relies on to justify its military operations.
The text of the document reads:
Commitment to a comprehensive agreement and full sovereignty:
The first item begins with the Governments of the State of Israel and the Republic of Lebanon, with the direct support and sponsorship of the United States under the leadership of President Donald Trump, affirming their shared commitment to achieving a comprehensive agreement that ends the ongoing conflict and establishes stable and peaceful relations between the two countries, ensuring the restoration of full Lebanese sovereignty over all territories.
Recognition of borders and Israeli withdrawal
In the second article, the parties recognize their respective right to live in peace and security within their internationally recognized borders, and declare their common determination to work hard towards a full and comprehensive agreement.
In return, the third clause affirms Israel's full respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Lebanon, its pledge to withdraw from all occupied territories and to renounce any ambitions for territorial expansion.
Arms Monopoly
The fourth clause is the cornerstone of the security conditions, as it states Lebanon's firm and unwavering commitment to restoring and exercising its full sovereignty and maintaining the state's "exclusive monopoly on the use of force."
It also requires ensuring that the Lebanese Armed Forces assume full responsibility for defense and security, and that non-state armed groups (referring to Hezbollah) do not have any military or security role, or any weapons capabilities anywhere within Lebanon.
According to Article 5, the handover of the occupied territories by the Israeli occupation army to the Lebanese Armed Forces is accompanied by the latter's assumption of full responsibility for security and reconstruction efforts, provided that the two countries, with American support, agree on timetables and practical models to ensure the safe return of displaced citizens to southern Lebanon, provided that "this return or related activities do not pose any threat to the so-called 'security of Israel'."
International Army Restructuring and Training Program
Item 6 includes a commitment from the United States and its international partners to support and fund a massive program to train and equip the Lebanese Armed Forces.
This support aims to strengthen the authority and control of the State through the development of professional armed forces capable of enforcing lasting security and stability in the region, and facilitating the orderly return of territories under full sovereignty.
On the economic side, the seventh item indicates that the United States will mobilize international partners to support the Government of Lebanon in reconstruction projects, repair infrastructure, restore economic health, and mobilize massive humanitarian and investment assistance that will allow the country to recover from years of conflict and secure the future of its citizens.
Direct and goodwill negotiation mechanism
The draft concludes with several clauses affirming that achieving these goals will inevitably pass through "direct negotiations between the two governments" facilitated and facilitated by Washington, with the parties committing to moving forward in good faith until the final signing of the comprehensive agreement that brings security and prosperity to the people of Israel and Lebanon.
The Lebanese sources concluded by saying that this document clearly shows that Lebanon has become surrounded behind the scenes of Washington by harsh conditions and dictates, as the United States and Israel seek to impose an effective and direct partnership in redrawing the future of southern Lebanon, defining the security doctrine of the army, and linking economic and political recovery plans to a complete end to unofficial armed manifestations.