Abdi, Ahmed in Damascus Hoping to Complete Integration Talks Before the End of August

Nations being considered for a potential international mission in southern Lebanon, which could replace the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) or participate in verification mechanisms, are seeking firm security guarantees from both Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanese sources indicate that continued Israeli military actions and ceasefire violations are obstructing progress on these crucial discussions.

The situation is complex, with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussing the post-UNIFIL phase with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Discussions included Italy's potential participation in a verification mechanism for proposed pilot zones and providing military support to the Lebanese Army. Lebanese Army Commander Gen. Rodolphe Haykal continued these talks in Rome, focusing on technical and military details, including preparations for UNIFIL's mandate expiration at the end of the year.

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Nothing is final at this point amid the Israeli escalation.

Military sources revealed that Haykal's agenda covers army support, the proposed joint European force, and the monitoring mechanism for pilot zones. However, progress remains stalled due to ongoing Israeli escalation. Protecting international personnel is a primary concern, leading potential mission participants to demand assurances from both Hezbollah and Israel, including Hezbollah's approval and a halt to Israeli attacks within their operational areas.

Italy is viewed as a strong candidate to lead the monitoring mechanism for the pilot zones, having reportedly gained approval from the U.S. and Lebanon, and not facing an Israeli veto unlike France. Nevertheless, nothing is considered final, as the ongoing military escalation complicates any definitive decisions. The sources emphasized that without a cessation of attacks, progress on any proposed files remains unlikely, and UNIFIL itself is struggling with the current military situation in the South.

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With the attacks continuing, there is no progress on any of the proposed files.