Report: Italy offered to assist in disarmament, Lebanese army commander opposed
According to diplomatic sources, Rome has drafted a document outlining the roles of the new international force intended to replace UNIFIL. The Italians propose supporting the Lebanese army logistically and operationally, and assisting it in demilitarization tasks. However, the Lebanese army commander expressed opposition to the latter point.
The Lebanese newspaper "Ad-Diyar" reported on Saturday morning that Italy has formulated its proposal for the role of the new international force in southern Lebanon. According to the report, the proposal follows behind-the-scenes contacts with all relevant parties.
Diplomatic sources familiar with the Italian proposal stated that the "Rome Document" outlines a force structure different from the UNIFIL model. The goal is to create a mechanism capable of responding quickly to developments on the ground and coordinating with the Lebanese army and "relevant parties" (presumably referring to Israel and the USA).
Central force and support
According to the diplomatic sources, the document includes several clauses, primarily support for the Lebanese army and the protection of civilians. The Italians propose that the Lebanese army remain the central force in operations on the ground, while the new international force provides technical, logistical, and operational support.
Furthermore, the international force would assist the Lebanese army in carrying out tasks in the south, such as verifying the demilitarization of pilot zones from "Hezbollah" weaponry. Another role is to prevent a security vacuum that "military elements," such as terrorist organizations, might exploit.
The "Rome Document" also mentions assistance in the ceasefire mechanism and efforts to disarm terrorist organizations. According to the report, the Lebanese army commander, Joseph Aoun, expressed opposition to international assistance in disarmament during his recent visit to Rome.
