Deadlock: Israel and Lebanon Make No Progress in Rome Talks
The Lebanese newspaper Al-Modon reported that the first day of talks between Israel and Lebanon in Rome did not lead to a breakthrough. The talks were difficult and tense, and Israel did not give a final answer regarding the cessation of controlled explosions. No progress was made on the verification mechanism for disarming Hezbollah in the pilot zones. The only progress was Israel's agreement to discuss the border dossier, but even here there was no practical result.
The Lebanese newspaper Al-Modon reported this morning (Wednesday) that the first day of meetings between the Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Rome, held on Tuesday, did not lead to a breakthrough. According to the report, the talks were difficult and tense, and Israel did not give a final answer regarding the cessation of controlled explosions - one of the demands of the Lebanese delegation. Additionally, no progress was made on the verification mechanism for disarming Hezbollah in the pilot zones. The only progress was Israel's agreement to discuss the border dossier between the countries, but even here there was no practical result. Sources familiar with the details said that one must wait for the end of the round of talks and see if the political echelon in Israel will reach decisions and allow the delegation to provide answers. The Lebanese delegation presented practical alternatives for dealing with underground tunnels or facilities instead of controlled explosions, including the possibility that the Lebanese army would take control of the tunnels or fill them with cement. Regarding the pilot zones for the IDF's withdrawal, Lebanon requested to add new areas, including Bint Jbeil and Al-Khiam, and proposed an additional pilot zone in the village of Zoutar al-Sharqiya or another area in the Nabatieh district. Lebanese sources said that Lebanon places its hopes on the United States as the most influential factor at the table, to pressure Israel to withdraw from additional villages in southern Lebanon.