Amid Escalation: Difficulties in Negotiations Between Israel and Lebanon

The talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome are stalled amid escalation, as Hezbollah intensifies its campaign against the Lebanese government. The organization's Secretary-General Naim Qassem accused Beirut of aiding Israel and hinted at thwarting the framework agreement. Hezbollah violated the ceasefire, leading to strikes in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army was hit by explosives, and Lebanon demands new pilot zones and a halt to detonations, while Israel demands a verification mechanism for disarmament.

The direct talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome conclude today (Wednesday) after three days of discussions, stalled amid security escalation and gaps in positions. The Lebanese side raises demands to define new pilot zones for the IDF withdrawal, including al-Khiam and Bint Jbeil in the Nabatieh district, and to stop controlled detonations. Instead, they propose transferring Hezbollah facilities to the control of the Lebanese army or filling tunnels with cement. Israel waits to see if existing pilot zones are disarmed and demands a verification mechanism, while Lebanon offers alternatives without direct IDF involvement: UNIFIL, a UN oversight mechanism, or a third party like Italy. Meanwhile, Hezbollah intensifies its campaign against the Lebanese government. The organization's Secretary-General Naim Qassem accused Beirut of providing aid to Israel and hinted at thwarting the framework agreement. The organization violated the ceasefire, leading to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese army was hit by explosive devices: on July 18, a soldier was killed and two wounded, and on August 2, five were wounded. The research institute "Alma" assessed that the devices were meant to warn against a change in the balance of power. The Lebanese leadership responded sharply: Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said that the great aid to Israel came from those who dragged it into wars of "support." Parliament members Sami Gemayel and Fouad Makhzoumi criticized Hezbollah. It seems the fear barrier has been broken, but the question is whether the statements will translate into actions. Additionally, Beirut raised 13 reservations to the marking of the land border, including an area of thousands of square kilometers, as a long-term goal.