**Title: UK, Italy Among States Considered to Verify Hezbollah Disarmament, Sources Say**
In a significant development regarding the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, Israel and Lebanon have reportedly agreed on a shortlist of countries that may contribute to a proposed mechanism aimed at verifying the disarmament of Hezbollah. The potential contributors identified include the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
This shortlist emerged from U.S.-mediated negotiations held in Rome last week, marking the latest round of talks between the two nations. These discussions are part of efforts to implement a framework established in June, which ties Israel's phased withdrawal from Lebanon to the disarmament of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group.
The proposed mechanism could involve foreign troops deployed to Lebanon to oversee and verify the disarmament process. The countries on the shortlist may play various roles, including defining the scope of the mechanism, providing personnel for its implementation, or contributing troops to conduct inspections and verify compliance with disarmament requirements.
A Lebanese official confirmed that an agreement had been reached on the list of potential countries, although they refrained from disclosing specific names, indicating that the final decision on participation would rest with the United States.
The framework for these negotiations was established as part of a broader U.S. initiative aimed at resolving the recent escalation of conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which began in March when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel amidst ongoing tensions related to U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran.
Sources with direct knowledge of the discussions expressed cautious optimism regarding the progress of the proposed mechanism, although they noted that talks surrounding the shortlisted countries are still in the early stages.
Israel's military currently occupies a security zone that extends approximately 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon. Israeli officials have stated that they will not withdraw unilaterally until Hezbollah is disarmed. Under the proposed verification mechanism, inspections of villages in southern Lebanon would be conducted to ensure they are free of weapons, with Israeli officials emphasizing the need for these inspections to include private homes.
However, the Lebanese army has faced challenges in conducting searches of private properties, as there are concerns that such actions could escalate tensions in the region and provoke a backlash from Hezbollah. Security officials have indicated that the army would require warrants for individual home searches, raising questions about how these inspections would be carried out and by whom.
A foreign security official highlighted the need to address the issue of private property searches, emphasizing the importance of establishing clear guidelines regarding the extent of foreign troops' freedom of movement within Lebanon. Furthermore, a formal mandate for the presence of foreign troops would need to be agreed upon, with the most likely scenario involving an invitation from the Lebanese government under a framework supported by Israel.
While the U.S. and Israel are reportedly hesitant to involve the United Nations in this process, there may be opposition from European nations regarding oversight by U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace.
As the situation develops, the international community will be closely monitoring the negotiations and the potential deployment of foreign troops to Lebanon, as well as the implications for regional stability and security.