The United Kingdom has allegedly proposed to Lebanon the construction of surveillance towers along its southern border with Israel, aimed at bolstering security and supporting the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, the London-based Arabic international news Asharq Al-Awsat reported on Thursday.
According to an official Lebanese source cited by Asharq Al-Awsat, the initiative is modeled on similar towers Britain has installed along Lebanon's border with Syria over the past decade.
The British offer was reportedly conveyed during UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy's visit to Beirut two weeks ago. Government sources said London proposed extending the observation network it previously erected in northern and eastern Lebanon to the southern frontier with Israel. Under the plan, the towers would be handed over to the Lebanese Army to enhance monitoring capabilities and reinforce stability in the border region.
The Lebanese Army currently maintains a presence alongside UNIFIL peacekeeping forces deployed in southern Lebanon.
Beirut remains committed to renewing UNIFIL's mandate and has pledged to deploy 10,000 troops along the border, according to Asharq Al-Awsat.
Lebanon wants IDF troops out before discussions begin
Sources said Lebanon did not reject the UK proposal outright but informed British officials that any practical discussions must first be preceded by efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire with Israel, as well as a full withdrawal of IDF soldiers from within Lebanese territory. Officials stressed that calm, security guarantees, and a clear Israeli pullback are needed before moving forward with any new measures.
The British Embassy in Beirut neither confirmed nor denied the report.
A spokesperson said the UK maintains a strong and longstanding partnership with the Lebanese Army and is committed to supporting Lebanon's efforts to build security and stability, emphasizing that Britain views the Lebanese Army as the sole legitimate military force of the state.
Since 2012, Britain has provided more than £115 million ($20.15 million) in support to the Lebanese military, including infrastructure, vehicles, training, equipment, and the establishment of border regiments.
During his visit, Lammy met Lebanese President Joseph Aoun at Baabda Palace. According to a statement from the presidency, Aoun welcomed any assistance that could reinforce stability on the southern border and enable cooperation between the Lebanese Army and international forces. He also called for diplomatic pressure on Israel to withdraw its forces, provide assurances against renewed aggression, and fully comply with Resolution 1701.