Countries being considered for a possible international mission to replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), or as members in a verification mechanisms in proposed pilot zones in South Lebanon, are seeking security guarantees from both Israel and Hezbollah, Lebanese sources familiar with discussions with European countries told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Continued Israeli attacks and military violations in the South are blocking progress on both tracks, the sources said.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed the post-UNIFIL phase with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni during a visit to Rome on Friday, including Italy’s readiness to participate in a verification mechanism in the pilot zones and provide military support to the Lebanese Army.
Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, who headed to Rome on Sunday, is continuing those discussions, focusing on technical and military details.
Security guarantees
Military sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Haykal’s agenda includes support for the army, preparations for the expiration of UNIFIL’s mandate at the end of this year, a proposed joint European force to replace it and a monitoring mechanism for the pilot zones.
The details are being discussed so they would be ready for implementation if political progress is made and obstacles are removed.
“Nothing is final at this point amid the Israeli escalation,” the sources said, referring to daily strikes and violations of the ceasefire agreement.
Protecting international personnel deployed in South Lebanon remains a key concern. Lebanese sources following the talks noted that countries being considered for any mission are demanding security guarantees for their personnel from both Israel and Hezbollah.
They are seeking Hezbollah’s prior approval for their participation and assurances that the party will not oppose their deployment. They also require Israel to halt attacks on Lebanese territory within their areas of operation.
“With the attacks continuing, there is no progress on any of the proposed files,” the sources underlined, adding that UNIFIL itself is struggling with the current military escalation in the South.
Italy seen as leading candidate
The proposed monitoring mechanism for the pilot zones also remains unresolved, with Israel objecting to the participation of some countries.
Italy appears the most likely candidate to secure approval from the United States, Lebanon and Israel, although no final decision has been made. Unlike France, Italy has not faced an Israeli veto, the sources remarked.
Military sources accused Israel of obstructing proposals for a verification mechanism because “it does not want anyone monitoring it,” citing human rights violations and other actions in the South that could be documented and potentially used against the Israeli military in the future.
Italy is considered the leading candidate to undertake the verification mission once political obstacles are removed, given its active role in several missions in Lebanon. Rome is also hosting US-sponsored Lebanese-Israeli negotiations.
Italy contributes 738 troops to UNIFIL, making it the mission’s largest European contingent. UNIFIL is also currently commanded by Italian Maj. Gen. Diodato Abagnara.
Italy also leads the Military Technical Committee for Lebanon (MTC4L), an international body coordinating multinational military assistance to the Lebanese Army. The Italian Bilateral Military Mission in Lebanon (MIBIL) has also provided training to the Lebanese Army since 2015.
Israeli operations continue
Meanwhile, the Israeli military continued to violate the ceasefire agreement in the South, carrying out major explosions in Kfar Tebnit, Yohmor al-Shaqif, Majdal Zoun and Khiam.
Israeli forces also carried out bulldozing and demolition work on the western outskirts of Mays al-Jabal, destroying a temporary school complex built and opened by the municipality after the latest war in cooperation with the Council for South Lebanon and the Jabal Amel Union of Municipalities.
Israeli troops also brought in a truck carrying explosives and began rigging several homes for demolition.
Airstrikes targeted the outskirts of Majdal Zoun in the Tyre district, Houla in the Bint Jbeil district, and areas around Deir Seryan-al-Qusayr and Dawhet Kfar Rumman in Nabatieh.
An Israeli armored force advanced toward an area between Hadatha and Haris, where bulldozers carried out operations.
Israeli forces positioned between Beaufort Castle and Kfar Tebnit, through the towns of Arnoun and Zawtar al-Sharqiyeh, opened heavy- and medium-machine-gun fire as several explosions were heard. Israeli artillery also struck the outskirts of Mayfadoun.
The escalation followed a night of airstrikes targeting Ali al-Taher hill, Dawhet Kfar Rumman and Nabatieh al-Fawqa, accompanied by intermittent artillery fire.
