Lebanon Faces Deadlock on Southern Security Arrangements Amid Israeli Objections

Arrangements for southern Lebanon's security are becoming increasingly entangled as the UNIFIL mandate nears its end. Israel has reportedly raised three significant objections, blocking progress toward a political or military resolution. These objections target a proposed Italian force for verification in a pilot zone, the expansion of such zones, and plans for the post-UNIFIL phase, which includes proposals for a European force to replace the UN mission.

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The Israelis previously had no objection to Italian participation, but they are now objecting to an Italian force, after objections to the French had also emerged.

Disputes persist over the security mechanism that would accompany any Israeli withdrawal, who would verify compliance, and the extent of their authority. These issues are particularly sensitive amid continued Israeli attacks on southern villages and towns. President Joseph Aoun met with Lebanese Army Commander General Rodolphe Haykal to discuss security conditions, with Haykal briefing the president on his recent visit to Italy and talks with Italian officials. However, the presidential statement offered no details on these discussions or whether they addressed future security arrangements.

Lebanese ministerial sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Israel's shifting positions are a primary reason for the deadlock. "The Israelis previously had no objection to Italian participation, but they are now objecting to an Italian force, after objections to the French had also emerged," the sources stated. They added that Israel's demands regarding the force's powers and operating mechanisms, including home searches and field operations, raise concerns and obstruct agreement.

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Israel is making demands about the force’s powers and operating mechanisms, including issues involving searches of homes and the nature of its participation in field operations. These matters raise several concerns and are obstructing an agreement.

Contacts are ongoing as Lebanon explores alternatives, but no final formula has been agreed upon. The sources indicated that the terms of the arrangements themselves are a major source of the deadlock, with Israel imposing new conditions at every stage. This lack of clarity means the outlines of the next phase remain uncertain.

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Sometimes they object to the French and sometimes to the Italians. At every stage, new conditions or positions emerge. That is why the final arrangements have yet to take shape.