Between Rome and Oman: The Quiet Negotiations Worrying Israel

Israel and Lebanon are holding talks in Rome with American mediation to implement the tripartite framework, but significant gaps remain between the parties. Israel's ambassador to the US asked to halt discussions due to leaks from the Lebanese delegation. Meanwhile, Israel is monitoring the negotiations between the US, Iran, and Oman over the Strait of Hormuz. Washington is trying to advance two regional tracks simultaneously, fearing that escalation in one arena will harm the other.

While the world watches the negotiations between the US, Iran, and Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, a quieter but significant diplomatic track for Israel is underway in Rome: talks between Israel and Lebanon with American mediation. The gap between American optimism and the reality on the ground is evident. Israel awaits Trump's decision on the Iranian-Omani framework, while Iran's Foreign Minister Araghchi calls on Gulf states to act with Trump. In Rome, efforts are being made to advance the implementation of the tripartite framework, which includes expanding pilot zones in southern Lebanon, disarming Hezbollah, and an Israeli withdrawal. Lebanon requests that the next phase be in the Bint Jbeil or Khiam area, but Israel is skeptical, as current pilot zones are not meeting targets. Israel's ambassador to the US, Yehiel Leiter, asked to halt discussions three hours before the scheduled time due to "tendentious leaks" from the Lebanese delegation. However, discussions will resume tomorrow. Meanwhile, tensions continue on the ground, and the State Department hinted at IDF activity in southern Lebanon. Israel does not confirm a directive to reduce strikes or transfer authority to the Chief of Staff in Gaza. Washington is trying to advance two regional tracks, fearing that escalation in one arena will harm the other. The Israeli question: will the understandings ensure security or remain on paper?