Israel, Lebanon and the United States are holding discussions over which country—or group of countries—will be tasked with confirming that areas reclaimed by the Lebanese Armed Forces are free of Hezbollah fighters and weapons during the initial phase of a proposed disarmament process.
The issue has emerged as one of the central points in ongoing negotiations aimed at implementing a pilot program for Hezbollah’s disarmament, according to sources familiar with the talks.
Italy Emerges as a Potential Candidate
Among the nations being considered for the verification role is Italy, which has become increasingly involved in recent diplomatic and military consultations surrounding Lebanon’s security situation.
The discussions gained momentum after Israeli and Lebanese representatives completed the opening day of US-backed negotiations in Rome on Tuesday, where efforts are underway to establish practical mechanisms for the pilot phase of the agreement.
Military Leaders Discuss Future Security Cooperation
Coinciding with the negotiations, Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal met with Lt.-Gen. Giovanni Maria Iannucci, head of Italy’s Joint Operations Command.
According to a statement from the Lebanese Armed Forces, the meeting focused on regional security developments, continued support for Lebanon’s military and possible arrangements for the period after the eventual conclusion of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) mission.
The discussions also explored options for strengthening the Lebanese Army as it prepares to assume greater security responsibilities.
Israel Initially Wanted Direct Verification Authority
At the beginning of the negotiations, Israel proposed that its own forces should be permitted to enter areas secured by the Lebanese Armed Forces to conduct the final inspection and confirm that Hezbollah personnel and weapons had been removed.
Israeli officials argued that direct verification would provide greater confidence that the disarmament process was being implemented effectively.
Lebanon Pushes Back on Israeli Proposal
The proposal was met with strong resistance from the Lebanese government, prompting negotiators to search for an alternative arrangement that could satisfy both sides.
As a result, officials from Israel, Lebanon and the United States began examining the possibility of assigning the verification process to a neutral third country or a multinational group rather than Israeli forces.
The approach is intended to balance Lebanon’s sovereignty concerns with Israel’s security requirements.
UNIFIL Unlikely to Receive the Role
Although UNIFIL has operated in southern Lebanon for decades, both Israel and the United States are reportedly opposed to extending its current mandate beyond its scheduled expiration at the end of the year.
The two governments also do not support giving the UN peacekeeping mission responsibility for certifying that former Hezbollah-controlled areas have been fully cleared during the pilot disarmament phase.
That position has led negotiators to explore alternative international partners capable of carrying out the inspections.
Several Options Still Under Review
Sources familiar with the negotiations say no final agreement has been reached on who will oversee the verification process.
Multiple proposals remain under consideration as discussions continue, with officials seeking a solution that is acceptable to all parties involved while ensuring confidence in the implementation of the pilot disarmament plan.
The outcome of those talks is expected to play a key role in determining how the next phase of security arrangements in southern Lebanon unfolds.
