Rome Talks: Lebanon and Israel to Discuss New Issues
The seventh round of Lebanon-Israel talks in Rome is at risk of collapse due to disagreements. Lebanese officials accuse Netanyahu of unwillingness to engage in dialogue. The IDF is increasing pressure in southern Lebanon, with operations centered around the Ali Taher ridge. Lebanese President Aoun criticizes the timing of the attacks. Media linked to Hezbollah accuse Lebanese authorities of complicity with Israel.
The seventh round of Lebanon-Israel talks, planned in Rome, is at risk of collapse due to deep disagreements and mutual accusations. A senior Lebanese political source told the newspaper 'Nada al-Watan' that Lebanon believes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is not interested in the negotiation process. According to the official, the meeting in Italy would hardly have taken place without successful efforts to change the American administration's position in favor of Lebanon. Against this backdrop, the IDF continues to increase military pressure in southern Lebanon, with main operations centered around the Ali Taher ridge, where Israeli troops are ambushing militants and Iranian guards trapped in mountain tunnels. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the timing of the attacks as a step that 'sends negative signals and undermines international efforts to stabilize the situation.' The Lebanese delegation intends to push for an end to the destruction and the inclusion of villages still under Israeli control in the next phase of troop withdrawal. Sami Gemayel, head of the 'Lebanese Forces' party, told Sky News Arabia that the issue of Hezbollah's disarmament is close to resolution, as the organization is in an unprecedentedly weak position. Media linked to Hezbollah, in the publication 'Al-Akhbar', claimed that the Lebanese president's team agreed to additions to the security agreement that expand Israel's intervention capabilities. The organization itself issued a sharp statement accusing Lebanese authorities of complicity in Israel's actions.