Lebanon and Israel still split over disarming Hezbollah at Rome talks
Lebanon and Israel held a second day of US-brokered talks in Rome on Wednesday regarding Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah disarmament. The two sides remain divided on key issues including disarming Hezbollah, securing strategic locations like Ali Taher Hill, and establishing verification mechanisms for implementation.
Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel resumed in Rome on Wednesday under US mediation, marking the second day of the current round and the seventh session overall in efforts to stabilize a ceasefire and advance a framework agreement reached in June. The talks are structured along political and military tracks, with Lebanon presenting its position on border matters while military discussions focus on verifying security arrangements, Israeli withdrawal timelines, and Hezbollah's weapons.
A central point of contention involves Ali Taher Hill, a strategic elevation near Nabatieh that Israel claims houses a Hezbollah command centre and weapons storage. Israel seeks to establish this location as a pilot zone where the Lebanese army would assume security control and dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure, but Lebanon contends there are no Israeli forces present to facilitate such a transition. Lebanon has proposed alternative pilot zones in Khiam or Bint Jbeil, where the Lebanese military would take full security responsibility in exchange for limited Israeli pullbacks.
The discussions also addressed appointing a neutral third party to oversee Israeli withdrawal verification and monitor Lebanese army deployment in cleared areas, with some reports suggesting Italy as a potential candidate. A previous Rome session resulted in an Israeli withdrawal from Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh's outskirts, followed by Lebanese army deployment and civilian return after clearance operations. Lebanon has additionally requested that Israel cease large-scale demolitions and bombing campaigns in the south, referencing recent strikes near Beaufort Castle.
According to reporting from the ground, further Israeli withdrawals appear unlikely in the near term, as Israeli officials have repeatedly indicated limited appetite for additional pullbacks. Lebanon faces structural disadvantages in these negotiations, with the military balance favouring Israel, leaving Beirut dependent on continued US diplomatic support to advance its objectives.
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