**Lebanon and Israel Remain Divided Over Hezbollah Disarmament in Ongoing Rome Talks**
Lebanon and Israel are currently engaged in a second day of US-brokered negotiations in Rome, aimed at addressing Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon. However, the discussions have revealed significant divisions between the two nations, particularly regarding the disarmament of Hezbollah, a key point of contention that is likely to hinder progress.
The ongoing talks mark the seventh round of discussions, following five previous sessions held in Washington. These negotiations are crucial for maintaining a fragile ceasefire and building upon a framework agreement that was signed in June. The current round of talks is divided into political and military tracks, with Lebanon outlining its position on border issues during the political discussions. The military track focuses on mechanisms for verifying security arrangements, including the Israeli withdrawal and the status of Hezbollah's weapons.
A senior Lebanese official indicated that Lebanon has not received any formal response from the Israeli delegation regarding their commitment to the ceasefire. Notably, the Israeli representatives have shifted their stance by no longer insisting that Hezbollah’s disarmament be addressed before discussing border issues. This change in approach may open the door for further negotiations, although the official expressed skepticism about the likelihood of significant Israeli withdrawals from southern Lebanon.
A key point of contention in the talks is Ali Taher Hill, a strategic area near Nabatieh that Israel claims houses a Hezbollah command center and underground weapon facilities. Israel has proposed that the Lebanese army take control of this site and dismantle Hezbollah's infrastructure as part of a series of “pilot zones.” However, Lebanon has countered that there are currently no Israeli forces present to facilitate this transition.
The discussions also touched upon the appointment of a third party to monitor the Israeli withdrawal and oversee the Lebanese army's assumption of security responsibilities in the affected areas. Reports suggest that Italy may be considered for this role. Lebanon has proposed that the next pilot zone be located in either Khiam or Bint Jbeil, where the Lebanese army would assume full security responsibility, preventing Hezbollah's return in exchange for a limited Israeli pullback.
In an earlier round of talks held in Rome, a deal was reached for Israel to withdraw from the outskirts of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, allowing the Lebanese army to deploy and residents to return after necessary clearance operations. However, Lebanon is also seeking an end to large-scale demolitions and bombings conducted by Israel in the south, with recent attacks reported around the historic Beaufort Castle.
Despite the ongoing negotiations, analysts suggest that the latest talks may not lead to further Israeli withdrawals. Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr reported from Nabatieh that Israeli officials have consistently indicated a lack of willingness to make significant concessions. The balance of power appears to favor Israel, leaving Lebanon reliant on support from the US government to bolster its position in the negotiations.
US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott confirmed that the discussions are focused on enhancing the implementation of the framework accord, including the pilot-zone mechanism, verifying Hezbollah’s disarmament, addressing security threats linked to Iran, and facilitating the redeployment of Israeli forces from the south. The ultimate goal remains a comprehensive security and peace agreement.
The ongoing talks have revealed deepening divisions within Lebanon. Many residents in southern Lebanon express skepticism about the agreement, citing anger towards Hezbollah for reopening hostilities in March, as well as distrust of Israel, which they accuse of pursuing expansionist policies and continuing demolitions of homes. Conversely, some individuals welcome any potential deal that could bring an end to the cycle of conflict in a country grappling with a struggling economy.
Hezbollah, which is not participating in the talks, has stated its intention to withdraw from areas south of the Litani River but has firmly rejected disarming in the north, where Ali Taher Hill is located. The group's leader, Naim Qassem, has urged the Lebanese government to refrain from making concessions, while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has criticized Hezbollah for dragging Lebanon into what he termed "absurd" wars. Since March, Lebanese authorities have reported that Israeli attacks have resulted in over 4,300 fatalities and displaced more than a million people.
As the negotiations continue, the path forward remains uncertain, with both sides entrenched in their positions and the specter of renewed conflict looming over the region.