Lebanon and Israel still split over disarming Hezbollah at Rome talks

What Happened

Lebanon and Israel held the second day of US-brokered talks in Rome on 17 July 2024, the seventh round overall after five sessions in Washington. The two sides remain split over disarming Hezbollah, according to a senior Lebanese official speaking to Anadolu news agency. Discussions were split into political and military tracks: Lebanon presented its border position, while the military track addressed verification mechanisms for Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah’s weapons. The Israeli delegation, for the first time, stepped back from demanding that Hezbollah’s disarmament be discussed before the border file. A key focus is Ali Taher Hill, strategic high ground near Nabatieh, which Israel claims conceals a Hezbollah command centre and underground weapons facilities. Israel wants the Lebanese army to secure the site as one of several pilot zones, but Beirut says no Israeli units are there to replace. Lebanon requested the next pilot zone be in Khiam or Bint Jbeil, where the Lebanese army would assume full security responsibility and bar Hezbollah’s return in exchange for a limited Israeli pullback. Both sides addressed naming a third party (possibly Italy) to verify the Israeli withdrawal and oversee the Lebanese army’s takeover. Lebanese authorities say Israeli attacks since March have killed 4,333 people and displaced more than a million.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The Rome talks are pivotal for maintaining the fragile ceasefire and advancing the framework agreement signed in June. Disagreements over Hezbollah’s disarmament and the sequencing of Israeli withdrawal risk a collapse that could reignite cross-border conflict. The pilot-zone mechanism tests whether limited Israeli pullbacks in exchange for Lebanese army control can build momentum, but Hezbollah’s refusal to disarm north of the Litani and Israel’s military dominance complicate progress. The outcome will shape security along the Israel-Lebanon border and influence US leverage in the region.

Watch For

Whether the pilot-zone mechanism leads to an Israeli withdrawal from Khiam or Bint Jbeil, and if a third party like Italy is named to verify the process. Hezbollah’s reaction to any further disarmament pressures, particularly regarding Ali Taher Hill, could escalate or de-escalate tensions. Israel’s continuation of large-scale demolitions like those near Beaufort Castle may undermine Lebanese public trust in the talks. The next round of negotiations will show if the US can broker further compromises.