Diplomatic efforts to stabilize the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel continued in Rome on Wednesday, but a senior Lebanese official indicated that progress remains stalled. The core disagreement persists: Israel’s demand for Hezbollah’s disarmament versus Lebanon’s insistence on addressing the border dispute first.
The second day of the resumed talks marks the seventh round of negotiations overall, following five earlier sessions in Washington. These discussions are part of a US-brokered process aimed at reinforcing the fragile truce and building upon a framework agreement signed in June.
Political and Military Tracks Address Key Sticking Points
According to a senior Lebanese official speaking to the Anadolu news agency, Tuesday’s session was divided into two distinct tracks. The political track saw Lebanon present its position on the border issue, while the military track focused on the verification mechanisms for security arrangements. These arrangements include the Israeli withdrawal and the fate of Hezbollah’s weapons arsenal. The official noted that Lebanon has yet to receive a response from the Israeli political side regarding its commitment to the ceasefire.
In a notable development, the official stated that the Israeli delegation has, for the first time, stepped back from its previous insistence that Hezbollah’s disarmament be discussed before the border file. This shift, however, has not yet translated into a breakthrough.
The Strategic Case of Ali Taher Hill
A central point of contention is Ali Taher Hill, a strategic high ground near Nabatieh. Israel claims the site conceals a Hezbollah command center and underground weapons facilities. Israel has proposed that the Lebanese army secure the site and dismantle the group’s infrastructure as part of a “pilot zone” arrangement. Beirut, however, maintains that there are no Israeli units in the area to replace, creating a deadlock over the site’s status.
Verification and Next Steps
The talks also touched upon the selection of a third party to verify the Israeli withdrawal and oversee the Lebanese army’s deployment in the areas in question. The official indicated that some reports point to Italy as a potential candidate for this role.
Lebanon has requested that the next pilot zone be located in either Khiam or Bint Jbeil. In these zones, the Lebanese army would assume full security responsibility, including preventing Hezbollah’s return, in exchange for a limited Israeli pullback. This mechanism was previously tested in an earlier Rome round, which resulted in an Israeli withdrawal from the outskirts of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh. Following that withdrawal, the Lebanese army deployed and residents were able to return after survey and clearance work.
Demolitions and Public Sentiment
Beyond the pilot zones, Lebanon is pressing Israel to halt large-scale demolitions and bombings in the south. The most recent incident, which occurred last week, struck the area around the historic Beaufort Castle.
Reporting from Nabatieh, Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr said the latest round is unlikely to produce further Israeli withdrawals. “Israeli officials have made this clear time and time again,” she said. Khodr also highlighted Lebanon’s limited negotiating power, noting that “the balance of power is in Israel’s favour, so Lebanon is relying on the support of the US government.”
US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott said the talks are focused on strengthening the implementation of the framework accord. This includes the pilot-zone mechanism, verifying Hezbollah’s disarmament and other security threats linked to Iran, and redeploying Israeli forces from the south, with the ultimate goal of achieving a comprehensive security and peace deal.
Domestic Divisions in Lebanon
The ongoing negotiations have deepened divisions within Lebanon. Khodr reported that people in the south have little faith in the agreement, citing anger at Hezbollah for reopening a front in March, as well as deep distrust of Israel, which residents accuse of expansionist aims and continued home demolitions. Conversely, some welcome any deal that could end the recurring wars that have left the economy “in shambles.”
Hezbollah, which is not party to the talks, has stated it will pull back from south of the Litani River but will not disarm to the north, where Ali Taher Hill is located. Its leader, Naim Qassem, has urged the government to halt “concessions,” while Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has blamed the group for dragging Lebanon into “absurd” wars. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli attacks since March have killed 4,333 people and displaced more than a million.
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