Lebanon demands expansion of the experimental zones to include Bint Jbeil... Israel obstructs!
Washington’s envoy to Beirut: A significant gap between drafting an agreement and implementing it
Beirut – “Al-Siyasa” – By Omar Al-Bardan
Lebanon enters its seventh round of direct talks with Israel in Rome, under US auspices, today, amid weak expectations of making progress on expanding experimental zones within efforts to consolidate security understandings and address outstanding files on the southern border, foremost among them Israeli occupation violations, land border demarcation, and mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire agreement. This round gains special importance amid regional developments and international efforts to enhance stability along the border.
The Lebanese delegation departed Beirut for the Italian capital yesterday. According to sources close to the Lebanese Presidency speaking to “Al-Siyasa,” the significance of the negotiation session lies in it being the first since Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and US President Donald Trump met at the White House. This provides an opportunity to assess the reality of US promises to pressure the occupation to withdraw from additional areas in the south, lending the round an exceptional political dimension.
It is understood that the Lebanese negotiating delegation will demand the expansion of the experimental zones to include the city of Bint Jbeil this time, as a district center, pending the Israeli occupation’s response to this request. Ambassador Simon Karam will lead the Lebanese delegation, which includes representatives from both the political and military sectors, including Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Mawlawi, and Major General George Rizqallah, along with two new members: expert witness Najib Massihi and President Joseph Aoun’s legal affairs advisor, Antoine Safiir.
According to information, the Lebanese delegation will enter the talks based on three main demands: in addition to expanding the experimental zones to include Bint Jbeil, halting the demolition and excavation operations carried out by Israeli occupation forces in border villages and areas; designating the second model zone to pave the way for transitioning to the next phase of implementing understandings; and continuing discussions on the land border file to contribute to practical progress on outstanding issues during this round.
In this context, “Al-Siyasa” learned from sources within the Lebanese negotiating delegation that the talks face further obstacles from the Israeli occupation, revealing that the Israeli delegation introduces new conditions in every negotiation session. Consequently, the talks are proceeding in a difficult environment despite their seriousness, due to the Israeli occupation’s stubbornness. Meanwhile, the US mediator continues to exert pressure to ensure the success of the framework agreement. It was noted that Lebanon relies on the demarcation file as a cornerstone for consolidating sovereignty, enabling the identification of occupied areas, violations, and incursions, leading to a complete Israeli withdrawal.
It is understood that State Councilor Rouwaa Harati, the President’s advisor for economic affairs, is not part of the delegation, while Ambassador Mawlawi will handle reconstruction and financing files.
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On the eve of the negotiation round, U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon Michael Issa confirmed that talks in Rome are still ongoing, expressing hope that the Lebanese and Israeli governments would reach positive results. However, he stressed that technical aspects related to civilian protection still require further work. “I am encouraged by the continuation of talks in Rome, and I hope the two governments can reach a successful outcome. There is still a lot of technical work to be done to ensure the safety of civilians on the ground,” he said, adding, “There is a big difference between drafting an agreement on paper and implementing it responsibly, because rushing into the implementation phase could endanger the very civilians whom this process is meant to protect.” The U.S. ambassador believed that giving the parties sufficient time to complete this stage accurately would help facilitate the transition to subsequent phases, particularly concerning other experimental zones that are supposed to be included in the plan. He concluded, “Before moving forward, the two sides must agree on a clear, practical, and implementable mechanism.” Issa’s remarks carry particular significance as they come amid ongoing meetings in Rome to discuss the next phase of the framework agreement, amid persistent disagreements over implementation mechanisms, especially regarding experimental zones, the return of residents, and the deployment of the Lebanese army, as well as the continuation of Israeli military occupation operations in the south. These developments have raised growing questions about the future of the agreement and its feasibility on the ground.
Concurrently with the launch of the Lebanese-Israeli negotiation round, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam chaired a cabinet meeting attended by several ministers. A major part of the discussion focused on the file of residents’ return to the south and the field and service conditions there. Minister of Information Paul Maroun stated that the Prime Minister began the session by addressing Israeli attacks, particularly explosions carried out by occupation forces, and highlighted the international communications conducted by both the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister with friendly and brotherly countries through established mechanisms, aiming to mobilize support to halt these attacks. Regarding the negotiations, he emphasized the effort to achieve gradual Israeli withdrawals from Lebanese territories, leading to a complete withdrawal.
