Israel and Lebanon Agree on Four Countries for Hezbollah Disarmament Oversight

Israel and Lebanon have reached an agreement on the participation of four countries in a monitoring mechanism to oversee the disarmament of Hezbollah, according to sources familiar with discussions held last week in Rome under U.S. mediation. The agreed countries are the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia. These nations will assist in defining the mechanism's authority, providing personnel, and contributing troops for observation and patrols as part of a June agreement linking the Israeli military withdrawal to Hezbollah's disarmament.

A key point of contention remains Israel's demand to conduct searches inside private homes in southern Lebanon to ensure villages are free of weapons. The Lebanese army opposes such searches due to concerns about stirring unrest among the population and potential direct clashes with Hezbollah. Security officials note that Lebanese forces would require judicial warrants to search private properties, and foreign security sources emphasize the need to clearly define who will conduct the searches and the freedom of movement for foreign forces.

The monitoring mechanism will not operate under United Nations auspices but rather at the invitation of the Lebanese government. Israel and the U.S. are unlikely to accept UN involvement, and there is speculation that some European countries might oppose a mechanism operating under the "Peace Council" proposed by Donald Trump. Ultimately, the U.S. will decide which countries will actively participate in the oversight mission.