Ongoing Negotiations Between Lebanon and Israel
Delegations from Lebanon and Israel recently concluded a second day of United States-facilitated discussions in Rome, centered on the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. Despite these efforts, a senior Lebanese official indicated that significant further pullbacks are improbable due to persistent disagreements concerning the disarmament of Hezbollah. This round of talks marks the second in Rome and the seventh overall, following five prior sessions held in Washington. The primary objective of these negotiations is to reinforce a fragile ceasefire agreement and build upon a framework accord established in June.
Key Issues and Disagreements
The recent session was structured into two distinct tracks: political and military. During the political segment, Lebanon presented its stance on border demarcation. Concurrently, the military track focused on the mechanisms for verifying the implementation of security arrangements, which encompass both the Israeli withdrawal and the status of Hezbollah's weaponry. According to the Lebanese official, Israel's political delegation has yet to provide a definitive response regarding its commitment to the ceasefire.
A notable development in this round was the Israeli delegation's decision, for the first time, to not insist on discussing Hezbollah's disarmament prior to addressing the border issue. A central point of contention remains Ali Taher Hill, a strategically important elevated area near Nabatieh. Israel contends that this location conceals a Hezbollah command center and subterranean weapons facilities. Israel's demand is for the Lebanese army to secure this site and dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure as one of several designated 'pilot zones.' However, Beirut maintains that there are no Israeli units present at the site that would necessitate replacement by Lebanese forces.
Verification and Pilot Zones
The discussions also included considerations for appointing a third-party entity to verify the Israeli withdrawal and oversee the Lebanese army's assumption of control in the disputed areas. Reports have suggested Italy as a potential candidate for this role. Lebanon proposed Khiam or Bint Jbeil as the next potential pilot zones. Within these designated zones, the Lebanese army would assume full security responsibilities, including preventing Hezbollah's return, in exchange for a limited Israeli pullback. A previous round of talks in Rome led to an agreement for Israel to withdraw from the outskirts of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, enabling the Lebanese army to deploy and residents to return after survey and clearance operations.
Furthermore, Lebanon has called for an end to large-scale demolitions and bombings in the southern region, citing a recent incident near the historic Beaufort Castle. Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr, reporting from Nabatieh, expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of further Israeli withdrawals, noting that Israeli officials have consistently reiterated this position. Khodr emphasized Lebanon's limited leverage in these negotiations, suggesting that the country largely relies on the support of the U.S. government.
International Perspectives and Internal Divisions
U.S. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed that the talks were aimed at strengthening the implementation of the framework accord. This includes the pilot-zone mechanism, verification of Hezbollah's disarmament, addressing other security threats linked to Iran, and the redeployment of Israeli forces from the south, with the ultimate goal of achieving a comprehensive security and peace agreement.
Domestically, these talks have exacerbated existing divisions within Lebanon. Khodr observed a prevailing lack of faith in the agreement among residents of southern Lebanon, stemming from resentment towards Hezbollah for reigniting conflict in March, coupled with distrust of Israel, which local populations accuse of expansionist ambitions and continued home demolitions. Conversely, some factions welcome any agreement that could bring an end to recurrent conflicts, particularly in an economy described as being 'in shambles.'
Hezbollah, which is not directly involved in these negotiations, has stated its willingness to withdraw from areas south of the Litani River but has refused to disarm in regions to the north, where Ali Taher Hill is located. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem has urged the Lebanese government to cease 'concessions,' while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has attributed Lebanon's involvement in 'absurd' wars to the group. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli actions since March have resulted in 4,333 fatalities and the displacement of over a million people.
