The United Kingdom has formally proposed to Lebanon the construction of surveillance towers along the country’s southern border with Israel, aiming to bolster security and stability in the area and support the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
According to an official Lebanese source speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat, the initiative mirrors similar towers Britain has installed over the past decade on the Lebanese-Syrian frontier.
The Lebanese Army currently maintains a presence alongside UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) deployed in the south. Beirut remains committed to renewing UNIFIL’s mandate and has pledged to station 10,000 troops along the border. However, Lebanese officials argue that Israel’s continued occupation of at least five positions inside Lebanese territory prevents the army from completing its full deployment.
The British offer was conveyed during the visit of UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy to Beirut last Saturday. Well-informed government sources indicated that London proposed extending the network of observation towers 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 its monitoring capabilities and reinforce stability in the border region.
According to the sources, Lebanon did not reject the proposal outright but informed the British side that any practical discussions would need to be preceded by efforts to secure a lasting ceasefire, end Israeli violations, and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from occupied positions. Officials stressed that the border area requires calm, security guarantees, and a clear Israeli pullback before any new measures can move forward amid the current tensions.
The UK diplomatic mission in Beirut did not confirm or deny the information. A spokesperson for the British Embassy said Britain maintains a strong and longstanding partnership with the Lebanese Army and is committed to supporting the Lebanese government’s efforts to build security and stability. The spokesperson emphasized that the UK views the Lebanese Army as the sole legitimate military force of the state.
Since 2012, Britain has provided more than £115 million in support to the Lebanese military, including infrastructure, vehicles, training, equipment, and the establishment of border regiments.
During his visit, Lammy was received at Baabda Palace by Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who expressed appreciation for Britain’s continued backing.
According to a statement from the presidency, Aoun welcomed any assistance that could help reinforce stability on the southern border and enable cooperation between the army and international forces.
He also called for diplomatic pressure on Israel to withdraw its troops, provide assurances against renewed aggression, and fully comply with Resolution 1701.
