Israel and Lebanon Discuss Italian Troop Deployment for South Lebanon Security Oversight

In ongoing negotiations between Israel and Lebanon regarding the withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from southern Lebanon, a proposal has emerged to deploy Italian troops to monitor the disarmament of the area and prevent Hezbollah militants from rearming. These talks, held in Rome and mediated by the United States, also included a suggestion for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to oversee the process, but both Israel and the U.S. strongly opposed this idea.

Israeli representatives emphasized the need for the IDF to pilot the withdrawal by assessing whether the Lebanese army could enter vacated areas. Lebanon, however, wanted its army to both control the territory and conduct these assessments. Due to Israel's rejection, the initial idea of UNIFIL supervision was dismissed, leading to consideration of the Italian proposal, which is currently under review by all parties.

The discussions followed a framework agreement between Israel and Lebanon, with a joint statement from the three parties describing the Rome talks as "productive and positive." They agreed on the structure and principles of "pilot zones," where the Lebanese army will gradually assume full security responsibility, allowing for a phased redeployment of the IDF. Two pilot zones have already been agreed upon, with more to be determined by mutual consent.

Currently, the IDF maintains control over large parts of southern Lebanon, including the strategic Bofor ridge, where it is actively dismantling underground terrorist infrastructure through the 36th Division. The 91st Division operates in the Bint Jbeil area and western sectors, continuing efforts to shape the security environment and eliminate terrorist networks. The IDF also holds key positions in the Nabatiyeh area.

Despite the withdrawal plans, small Hezbollah cells remain in these zones, either unable to leave due to IDF operations or having infiltrated recently. Notably, militants are present in the northern Bofor ridge area, where the IDF has frozen its position following a ceasefire decision. The IDF has stated that all militants in these areas will either surrender or be neutralized.