Israel Refuses Withdrawal From Southern Lebanon at Rome Talks
- Israel refused to withdraw from southern Lebanon at Rome talks.
- Lebanon and Israel reportedly agreed on a list of countries to verify Hezbollah disarmament.
- Talks made 'positive progress' on borders and prisoners, but Hezbollah disarmament remains unresolved.
Deadlock in Rome
Israel has refused to withdraw its forces from southern Lebanon during the latest round of direct talks held in Rome, according to reports. The negotiations, which brought Lebanese and Israeli officials to the table, were aimed at resolving long-standing border disputes and security arrangements.
Despite the impasse over withdrawal, both sides reportedly made some headway. Lebanese officials described the talks as making 'positive progress' on issues related to borders and prisoners, though key differences remain over the disarmament of Hezbollah.
Disarmament Verification
A central point of contention has been the future of Hezbollah's military wing. Israel has insisted on the group's disarmament as a precondition for any full withdrawal, while Lebanon has called for a phased approach that respects its sovereignty.
According to reports, the two sides have agreed on a list of countries that could potentially verify Hezbollah's disarmament. However, the details of this verification mechanism have not been made public, and officials have not yet confirmed which nations are on the list.
Borders and Prisoners
Despite the deadlock on withdrawal, there were signs of progress in other areas. The discussions on border demarcation and the exchange of prisoners were described as constructive, with both delegations expressing a willingness to continue talks.
The Rome round is part of a broader diplomatic effort to de-escalate tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. Previous rounds have been marked by cautious optimism, but the core issue of Israeli troop presence continues to cast a shadow over the process.
What's Next
The talks are expected to resume in the coming weeks, though no date has been fixed. Observers note that the disagreement over Hezbollah's disarmament could prolong the diplomatic stalemate, even as both sides signal a desire to avoid further conflict.
With the verification list reportedly agreed upon, the focus now shifts to whether Israel will accept a timeline for withdrawal that does not hinge entirely on Hezbollah's disarmament. The coming rounds will test the durability of the current momentum.