Lebanon, Israel Remain Divided Over Hezbollah Disarmament as Rome Talks Continue.

Lebanon and Israel remained at odds on key security issues as they entered a second day of United States-mediated negotiations in Rome aimed at reinforcing the ceasefire and advancing Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

The discussions, which mark the seventh round of negotiations between the two sides, focused on implementing the June framework agreement, Israeli troop withdrawal, and the future of Hezbollah's weapons.

According to a senior Lebanese official, significant disagreements persist, making further Israeli withdrawals unlikely at this stage. While Israel wants Hezbollah to be disarmed and its military infrastructure dismantled, Lebanon insists that border issues and Israeli commitments under the ceasefire must also be addressed.

One major point of discussion is Ali Taher Hill, a strategic area near Nabatieh that Israel claims contains Hezbollah military facilities. Israel has proposed that the Lebanese army secure the site as part of a pilot security zone, but Lebanese officials argue there are no Israeli troops there to replace.

The two sides also discussed appointing an independent third party to monitor Israel's withdrawal and oversee the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern Lebanon. Italy has been mentioned as a possible monitoring partner.

Lebanon is also seeking an end to Israeli air strikes and large-scale demolitions in southern areas, including recent attacks near the historic Beaufort Castle.

US officials said the negotiations are aimed at strengthening the ceasefire, verifying security arrangements, and laying the groundwork for a broader peace and security agreement.

Hezbollah, which is not participating in the talks, has maintained that it is willing to withdraw its fighters from south of the Litani River but rejects any demand to completely disarm in other parts of Lebanon.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, analysts say deep mistrust between the parties and competing security demands continue to hinder progress toward a lasting settlement.

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