Lebanon Faces Crucial Test in Negotiations with Israel Amid Hezbollah Tensions

The sixth round of direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon is set to begin on Tuesday in Rome. According to Arab media reports, the discussions will focus on forming security teams and transferring authority in withdrawal zones from the Israeli Defense Forces to the Lebanese Army. A key issue remains Lebanon's ability to enforce the disarmament of Hezbollah, given the presence of Hezbollah-affiliated Shiite members within the Lebanese military.

American teams are expected to join the Lebanese Army to oversee the disarmament process and coordinate between the Lebanese forces and the IDF. Despite public declarations by Lebanon against Hezbollah, implementation has been minimal. In April, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam ordered the army to disarm Hezbollah in the Beirut district, but this directive has yet to be executed.

Samir Geagea, leader of the Lebanese Forces party and a prominent Hezbollah opponent, criticized President Michel Aoun for avoiding the use of state power against Hezbollah. Geagea stated, "I do not agree with this approach because the use of state power is not violence." Meanwhile, Hezbollah continues to issue militant warnings, with senior official Ali Ammar declaring the group is prepared to act against any moves threatening its status.

Alongside the Rome talks, attention is also on Tehran, as Iran seeks to link Lebanon to its negotiations with the United States, potentially influencing the Israel-Lebanon agreement. Hezbollah remains aligned with Iran, contrasting with Lebanon's government efforts to reach a settlement with Israel. Hezbollah's Ibrahim al-Moussawi criticized Lebanon's rapprochement with the U.S., highlighting the differing loyalties.

Ultimately, the real test will be on the ground, as Lebanon's willingness to confront Hezbollah and assert full sovereignty over its territory remains uncertain.