US Pushes Lebanon Deal, Israel Objects to French Role

The United States is reportedly close to announcing progress on an agreement between Israel and Lebanon, focusing on establishing a new monitoring mechanism in southern Lebanon and preparing an economic aid package for the country. U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has instructed his staff to reach agreements on both issues by mid-October, according to Saudi outlets Al-Arabiya and Al-Hadath. However, the negotiations face obstacles, notably Israeli opposition to the inclusion of certain countries, particularly France, in the monitoring mechanism.

According to sources in Washington, Rubio's primary goal is to finalize arrangements for monitoring designated areas in southern Lebanon where security agreements are to be implemented. A secondary objective is to establish a framework for a conference on economic and financial aid to Lebanon. Announcing progress in these areas is intended to restart the implementation of the trilateral agreement between the U.S., Israel, and Lebanon after weeks of stalemate.

A major point of contention is the composition of the international force that will oversee the agreement's implementation. Israel is reportedly vetoing the participation of several nations, especially France, while the U.S. is reluctant to deploy American troops to southern Lebanon. Washington is exploring the possibility of utilizing French forces in areas of Lebanon distant from the south and Israeli operational zones, and integrating other European forces aligned with the U.S. without exposing them to Hezbollah attacks.

A senior State Department official stated that any international presence in Lebanon must be directly linked to the framework agreement's objectives and not become a permanent, ineffective mediation mechanism. The U.S. is willing to discuss steps that genuinely support Hezbollah's disarmament and bolster the Lebanese army's capabilities. This statement follows Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam's visit to Washington, where the State Department reiterated support for a sovereign Lebanon free from Hezbollah and Iran's "malign" influence.

Washington has emphasized that Hezbollah's disarmament is a cornerstone of the agreement, and that the Lebanese government has yet to fulfill its commitment. The U.S. message places the onus on Beirut to take the next step, with disarmament preceding any Israeli withdrawal. Similar sentiments were echoed in the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with Chairman Jim Risch urging the Lebanese government to act urgently on Hezbollah's disarmament in designated areas.

The report also touches upon Hezbollah's funding, with U.S. sources claiming the organization received up to $100 million monthly until 2024, but Iran has since ceased direct transfers due to U.S. sanctions. Despite this, Hezbollah reportedly raises at least $40 million monthly through smuggling, counterfeit deals at Beirut port, and funds channeled through the Lebanese state budget. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Besant has pressured the Lebanese government to act against Iran's and Hezbollah's financing networks and advance financial reforms. Conversely, sources close to the talks assert that the Lebanese government is already taking practical steps against these networks, citing increased activity against drug smuggling operations and measures at ports and the airport.