Lebanese newspaper Al-Modon reported that the first day of talks between Israeli and Lebanese delegations in Rome on Tuesday ended without a breakthrough.
The talks were difficult and tense, according to the report, and Israel did not provide a final answer regarding a halt to controlled demolitions, one of the Lebanese delegation's demands. No progress was reported on establishing a verification mechanism for disarming Hezbollah in the pilot areas.
The only development was Israel's agreement to discuss the border dispute between the two countries, though those discussions produced no practical results. Sources familiar with the talks said it would be necessary to wait until the current round concluded to determine whether Israel's political leadership would make decisions allowing its delegation to provide answers, rather than merely continue the discussions.
According to the report, the Lebanese delegation presented practical alternatives to using controlled explosions to deal with underground tunnels and other sites. One proposal called for the Lebanese Armed Forces to take control of the tunnels or sites and handle them itself, including by filling the tunnels with concrete and sealing them.
Regarding the pilot areas for an IDF withdrawal, Lebanon asked to add new locations, including Bint Jbeil and Khiam. Beirut also intends to propose another pilot area in Zawtar al-Sharqiya, or elsewhere in the Nabatiyeh Governorate.
Against this backdrop, Lebanese sources said, "Lebanon is pinning its hopes on the US, as the most influential party at the table, to pressure Israel to withdraw from additional villages in southern Lebanon."
