US and Israeli Officials Deny Agreement on Countries Overseeing Hezbollah Disarmament in Lebanon

Senior American and Israeli officials denied reports claiming that Israel and Lebanon have agreed on the countries that would participate in an international mechanism to oversee Hezbollah's disarmament and verify the Lebanese army's activities. Reuters had reported that Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia were selected to contribute forces to this proposed mechanism, which would deploy foreign troops in Lebanon to verify Hezbollah's disarmament. However, an Israeli source familiar with the details told Walla that no such agreement exists and that negotiations are ongoing. An American official also confirmed that no consensus has been reached regarding the countries that would deploy forces after the UNIFIL mission ends, emphasizing that discussions continue.

The dispute over which entity will verify the Lebanese army's activities is a central issue in the US-mediated talks. After three days of technical talks in Rome, a US State Department official said that while details for implementing pilot zones and other framework aspects were agreed upon, significant issues remain unresolved, including who will verify the Lebanese army's clearance operations. The possibility of third-party verification led by the US was discussed as part of the diplomatic involvement.

Military delegations agreed on operational parameters, shared maps, and a roadmap to expand pilot zones. Lebanon is expected to present detailed security plans for new areas in upcoming talks, alongside ongoing implementation in existing zones. The US reiterated its opposition to renewing the UNIFIL mandate, with Israel and Lebanon agreeing to work with Washington on a future framework supporting the trilateral arrangement.

Political negotiations are set to resume in Rome in early September, with ongoing discussions in Beirut, Jerusalem, and Washington until then. Despite challenges, Washington is reportedly satisfied with progress, noting that pilot zones are active and teams have aligned on professional language, mapping, and procedures. However, Hezbollah is seen as attempting to undermine the process, and both Israel and Lebanon face internal political pressures. The US plan is to advance gradually, proving the pilot zones' effectiveness before expanding the model to additional areas.