Deadlock: Israel and Lebanon did not reach progress in talks in Rome

The Lebanese newspaper "Al-Modon" reported on Wednesday that the first day of meetings between the Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Rome on Tuesday did not lead to a breakthrough.

The talks were described as difficult and tense. Israel did not provide a final answer regarding the cessation of controlled explosions, which remains one of the Lebanese delegation's primary demands. Furthermore, no progress was made regarding the verification mechanism for the demilitarization of pilot zones from Hezbollah weapons.

The only reported progress was Israel's agreement to discuss the border file between the two countries, though no practical results were achieved. Sources familiar with the details stated that one must wait for the conclusion of the current round of talks to see if the political echelon in Israel will reach decisions that allow the delegation to provide substantive answers rather than continuing open-ended discussions.

According to the report, the Lebanese delegation presented practical alternatives for dealing with underground tunnels and facilities instead of controlled explosions. One proposal suggested that the Lebanese army take control of these sites to handle them, or fill them with cement and seal them independently.

Regarding the pilot zones for IDF withdrawal, Lebanon requested the addition of new areas, including Bint Jbeil and Al-Khiam. There is also an intention to propose an additional pilot zone in the village of Zoutar ech-Charqiyeh or another area in the Nabatieh district.

Against this background, Lebanese sources stated:

"Lebanon pins its hopes on the USA as the most influential factor at the table, in order to pressure Israel to withdraw from additional villages in southern Lebanon."