Israel and Lebanon Reach Key Agreement on Hezbollah - Assessment

Israel and Lebanon have reached a preliminary agreement on the composition of countries that could send troops to Lebanon to oversee Hezbollah's disarmament. The talks took place at the US Embassy in Rome. The final decision rests with Washington. Details have not been disclosed.

Representatives of Israel and Lebanon have reached a preliminary agreement on the composition of countries that could send military units to Lebanon to oversee the disarmament of Hezbollah militants. The talks took place this week at the US Embassy in Rome. According to a Beirut official, the final choice of countries depends on the US, which will also determine whether a contingent from one country or several will be sent. A source said that a shortlist of countries has been formed, unacceptable participants and potential candidates have been identified. Lebanese authorities have not disclosed details. The US State Department called the consultations productive but did not provide details. The Israeli Foreign Ministry is refraining from comments. Earlier it was reported that the seventh round of talks in Rome did not lead to a significant breakthrough, with progress only on technical issues.