Lebanese prime minister denies US proposal for buffer zone in south

BEIRUT/ISTANBUL

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Saturday denied reports of a US-backed proposal to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon, amid claims of an international push to replace the UN peacekeeping force (UNIFIL) with a new military arrangement.

Speaking to reporters after meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri in Beirut, Salam was asked about reports that France and the US were calling for a civilian-free buffer zone near the Israeli border.

“I haven’t heard of such a proposal,” he replied.

His remarks followed a report in Lebanese daily Al-Liwaa citing a senior political source who claimed that the US had informed Lebanon of its intention not to support the renewal of UNIFIL’s mandate. The report said Washington was instead pushing for a joint deployment of American, French, and British forces in the area as a replacement.

According to the paper, US envoy Tom Barrack recently presented a senior Lebanese official with a proposal for a comprehensive deal. The reported offer included the creation of a wide demilitarized buffer zone under full international supervision in exchange for a permanent halt to Israeli attacks on Lebanon, postwar reconstruction, prisoner releases, and significant investments.

It reportedly also addressed Hezbollah’s role, armaments, and position within the Lebanese state.

These developments come amid ongoing tensions along Lebanon’s southern border, where Israeli airstrikes continue to hit civilian areas despite a ceasefire agreement in place since late 2024.

Israel launched military operations in Lebanon on Oct. 8, 2023, escalating into full-scale war on Sept. 23, 2024, resulting in more than 4,000 deaths and some 17,000 injuries.

Under the ceasefire, Israel was supposed to fully withdraw from southern Lebanon by Jan. 26, but the deadline was extended to Feb. 18 after Tel Aviv refused to comply. Israel still maintains a military presence at five border outposts.

Saturday’s meeting between Salam and Berri also covered the Lebanese premier’s recent visit to Paris, where he met French President Emmanuel Macron.

According to a statement from Berri’s office, Macron reaffirmed France’s support for Lebanon and its commitment to renewing UNIFIL’s mandate to help preserve stability in the south.

Salam echoed that in a social media post after the trip, saying Macron was “committed to supporting Lebanon and extending UNIFIL’s mission in southern Lebanon.”

In late June, Lebanon’s Foreign Ministry formally requested UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to extend UNIFIL’s mandate for another year starting Aug. 31.