Nazir Rida

Lebanon-Israel negotiations in Rome stalled over the location of a second pilot zone, verification of Lebanese army deployment and Hezbollah’s withdrawal, weapons removal and inspections of private property. Israel issued an evacuation warning for al-Mansouri during the talks, deepening Lebanese suspicions that military pressure was being used to influence Beirut. Lebanon proposed Bint Jbeil and Khiam for the second zone, while Israel rejected those locations without offering an alternative. The main reported breakthrough was Israel’s recognition of Lebanon’s demarcated border and related rights under international law. Lebanon also pressed for a renewed 60-day ceasefire, Israeli withdrawals, phased Lebanese army deployment and discussions on prisoners.

Lebanon’s army is securing the southern village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh as part of a US-backed framework for Israeli withdrawal, clearing weapons and assessing risks before civilians can return. Judicial authorities are reviewing proposals to allow the army to legally search private properties, a current procedural obstacle. While the army advances its mission in pilot areas, Israeli forces continue movements inside Lebanon, including entering villages, searching homes and conducting shelling and drone strikes, deepening concerns over ceasefire violations.