Lebanon and Israel Hold Seventh Round of US Sponsored Talks in Rome

Lebanon and Israel began a new round of US sponsored negotiations in Rome on Tuesday. This marks the seventh meeting between the two sides since the outbreak of the US Iran war on February 28. The current discussions focus on the phased withdrawal of Israel from southern Lebanon and the verification of Hezbollah disarmament. Specifically, officials are weighing which country or countries will verify that areas entered by the Lebanese Armed Forces are free of Hezbollah operatives and weapons. While Israel initially sought to conduct its own verification, the Lebanese government opposed this, leading to discussions about third party alternatives such as Italy. Both the US and Israel oppose extending the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which expires at the end of the year.

The negotiations have sparked a sharp political conflict within Lebanon. Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem condemned the direct talks, stating they would bring Lebanon shame and humiliation. Qassem accused Lebanese authorities of helping Israel and criticized President Joseph Aoun for being biased and divisive. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam responded by accusing Hezbollah of drawing Lebanon into futile wars and tying the country to foreign axes. Salam asserted that sovereignty resides solely in the independent decision of the state and its army.

Reporting on the event differs based on political lean. A center left source focused on the internal Lebanese political strife and the humanitarian impact of Israeli strikes in southern villages. In contrast, a center right source focused on the technical security arrangements and the specific mechanisms for verifying the disarmament of Hezbollah.