Israel, Lebanon Begin US-Mediated Talks in Rome to Expand Hezbollah Disarmament Pilot in South Lebanon

A new round of US-mediated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon opened on Tuesday in Rome, focusing on expanding the pilot zones in southern Lebanon where control is gradually transferred to the Lebanese army and Hezbollah is disarmed. The talks, expected to continue through Thursday, aim to establish a verification mechanism acceptable to both Israel and Beirut to ensure Hezbollah’s weapons and operatives are removed from these areas.

Israeli sources described the discussions as having a "positive dynamic," while diplomatic officials said the talks involve professional teams addressing security coordination, land and maritime border issues, Hezbollah disarmament, and evaluation of pilot zones. Lebanon has requested the next pilot zone be established in either Bint Jbeil or Khiam, two key southern locations, a choice that could influence the pace and nature of the process. However, Israel remains skeptical about expanding the pilot given doubts about the current pilot’s effectiveness.

The talks follow the launch of initial pilot zones and recent meetings between US President Donald Trump, Lebanese President Michel Aoun, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The trilateral framework discussed includes expanding the pilot process, verified Hezbollah disarmament, redeployment of Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, and laying groundwork for a comprehensive peace and security agreement.

A major sticking point is who will verify that Lebanese army-controlled areas are free of Hezbollah fighters and weapons. Israel initially demanded that the IDF be allowed entry to confirm clearance, but Lebanon opposed this, fearing it would undermine sovereignty and give Israel decisive influence post-transfer. Alternatives involving international actors are being considered, with Italy emerging as a candidate. The Lebanese army commander recently met with an Italian military official to discuss support and post-UNIFIL arrangements.

Israel and the US oppose extending the UNIFIL mandate or letting it verify Hezbollah’s disarmament, and also reject French involvement in the verification mechanism. Both countries seek a credible, professional, and politically authoritative system to ensure not only visible Hezbollah forces but also weapons caches and infrastructure are removed. Lebanon insists the mechanism must prevent any direct Israeli presence on its territory after the army assumes control.

The US frames these talks as part of a broader effort to restore Lebanese state authority over southern Lebanon, reduce security threats to Israel, and eventually achieve a comprehensive agreement. Despite progress, significant hurdles remain, including agreement on pilot zone sequencing, Lebanese army deployment pace, and the link between Hezbollah disarmament and Israeli redeployment. The decision on the next pilot zone and the verification mechanism will test the parties’ ability to move from principle to practical implementation, potentially marking the start of a wider process in southern Lebanon.