UK, Italy among states considered to verify Hezbollah disarmament, sources say

Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia have emerged as potential contributors to a mechanism designed to verify Hezbollah's disarmament in Lebanon, according to sources close to the matter. This development follows US-mediated talks in Rome between Israel and Lebanon, aimed at implementing a June agreement that links Israel's phased withdrawal from southern Lebanon to the disarmament of the Iran-backed group.

The proposed mechanism could involve foreign troops defining the scope of disarmament verification, overseeing its implementation, or participating in inspections. The shortlist of countries was agreed upon by both Israel and Lebanon. A Lebanese official confirmed the agreement on a list of potential troop contributors but stated the US would ultimately decide which nations would participate.

Discussions regarding the shortlisted countries are in their early stages, with sources expressing cautious optimism about the initiative's progress. The Israeli prime minister's office, the Lebanese presidency, and the foreign ministries of the involved countries had not immediately responded to requests for comment.

Israel occupies a security zone in southern Lebanon and has stated it will not withdraw unilaterally until Hezbollah is disarmed. Under the proposed plan, villages would be inspected to ensure they are weapon-free. Israel is reportedly pushing for these inspections to include private homes, a demand that the Lebanese army has resisted.