Lebanese Officials Warn Hezbollah Could Disrupt Israel-Lebanon Talks in Rome

Renewed negotiations between Israel and Lebanon are set to resume in Rome tomorrow, amid concerns from senior Lebanese officials about Hezbollah's potential to cause disruptions. While these officials told the Beirut International Voice newspaper that such interference is currently unlikely due to recent Israeli strikes that have weakened Hezbollah's capabilities, they remain cautious. They also highlighted expected significant developments related to Iran, stating that Tehran will either engage in genuine negotiations or face a major military operation that could further diminish its influence, despite attempts to ignite regional conflicts. However, any changes are expected to be temporary, with the situation eventually returning to its current state until broader objectives are met.

The talks will address stabilizing the ceasefire, the situation on the ground, and the demolition of homes and towns by Israel. Lebanon plans to demand a halt to Israeli actions and initiate preparations for additional pilot zones, including their locations and start dates. These pilot zones, which Lebanon wants to expand to cover all occupied territories, are also supported by the US and Israel following the success of initial trials. The focus will be on groups of villages or cities, with a positive atmosphere anticipated due to favorable outcomes and local satisfaction. Despite difficulties in ending occupation of entire districts, US guarantees and support are seen as crucial to advancing this solution.

The backdrop to these talks includes recent security incidents: last weekend, an officer from the IDF's Egoz unit was moderately wounded in a clash with a Hezbollah militant in southern Lebanon's Ali Taher ridge; the militant was killed. About a week ago, Hezbollah launched an explosive drone at Israeli engineering forces in the same area, violating the ceasefire agreement, though no casualties occurred. The IDF continues operations to prevent terrorist activities in the region.

Two weeks ago, the US announced a pilot program for the gradual withdrawal of IDF forces from three southern Lebanese villages, Faron, Sarifa, and Zotar al-Arabiya, under a framework agreement signed on June 26. This plan includes deploying the Lebanese army in the south, disarming Hezbollah, and phased Israeli withdrawals. Lebanese security sources criticized President Aoun for agreeing to demands they consider unfeasible, warning it could lead to civil war with Hezbollah. Following the pilot announcement, Lebanese army units began entering vacated areas, but tensions remain high, with accusations exchanged between the Lebanese army and IDF over unauthorized fire near Nabatiyeh, a pilot zone village.