Israel, Lebanon Report Progress in Rome Talks on Hezbollah-Free Pilot Zones

U.S.-brokered negotiations advance plans for Israeli withdrawals, Lebanese Army deployments and third-party verification in southern Lebanon

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Washington D.C. Bureau Chief

ROME (Worthy News) – Israel and Lebanon concluded two days of U.S.-brokered negotiations in Rome on Wednesday, reporting progress toward establishing two pilot security zones in southern Lebanon as part of a broader ceasefire framework requiring the disarmament of Hezbollah.

The talks, held at the U.S. Embassy, focused on practical steps toward an Israeli military withdrawal from designated territory, the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces and safeguards intended to prevent Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed terrorist organization, from returning to the areas.

The U.S. State Department described the discussions as productive and positive, saying both sides had agreed on guidelines for implementing the pilot-zone process. The talks marked the sixth round of negotiations under a framework reached on June 26.

Lebanese presidential sources described the Rome negotiations as “very constructive” and said the two pilot areas would serve as the first test of the agreement. The locations are expected to be formally announced in the coming days, potentially by next week.

One zone is expected to include territory where Israeli forces are currently deployed, while the second would be established along its perimeter. Israeli troops would withdraw as Lebanese soldiers assume responsibility for security, allowing displaced civilians to return to villages in the affected areas.

An Israeli official said the discussions reinforced a shared understanding that Hezbollah must be disarmed and that the Lebanese government must establish effective sovereignty in the south.

The pilot areas are intended to test whether the Lebanese state can prevent Hezbollah fighters, weapons and military infrastructure from returning after Israel withdraws. Expansion into additional areas would depend on whether the first phase is successfully implemented.

Third Party Could Verify Hezbollah’s Removal

Lebanese officials said they were open to an American proposal authorizing an independent third party to verify that Hezbollah fighters had left the pilot zones and did not return.

Israel similarly supported an outside verification mechanism but said neither the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon nor the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization had been discussed for that role.

Negotiators also addressed the sensitive issue of weapons hidden on private property. Lebanese officials stressed that searches would have to comply with Lebanese law, while Israel called for arrangements allowing authorities to locate and remove smuggled weapons without disregarding property protections.

The technical details of Israeli withdrawals and Lebanese military deployments are expected to require another meeting between military officials, likely in Rome. Washington is expected to announce the location and timing of the next round of negotiations.

The pilot-zone proposal is part of a wider framework that calls for the Lebanese military to assume security responsibility in southern Lebanon as Israel gradually redeploys its forces. Hezbollah has opposed demands that it surrender its weapons, raising serious questions about whether the terror group will attempt to undermine the agreement.

For Israel, any lasting settlement will depend not merely on diplomatic promises but on Lebanon’s willingness and ability to dismantle Hezbollah’s military presence. The Iranian-backed terrorist organization has spent decades embedding rockets, weapons and fighters throughout southern Lebanon while repeatedly threatening communities across Israel’s northern border.

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