Israel and Lebanon discuss international mechanism for Hezbollah disarmament

Israel and Lebanon have reportedly agreed on a preliminary list of potential contributors for an international mechanism designed to verify the progressive disarmament of Hezbollah. According to sources cited by Reuters, the list includes Italy, Great Britain, Switzerland, and Indonesia.

The proposal, which emerged from U.S.-mediated talks held in Rome last week, could involve the deployment of foreign troops to Lebanon to oversee monitoring and inspection operations. The mechanism aims to ensure that southern Lebanese regions remain free of weapons, a condition linked to the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.

While the list of countries has been discussed, a final decision regarding participation rests with the United States. Challenges remain regarding the scope of the mechanism, specifically concerning the inspection of private properties. Lebanese officials have expressed reservations about such inspections, noting that under Lebanese law, searching private homes requires individual judicial warrants. Israel has indicated it will not withdraw unilaterally until Hezbollah is disarmed and has sought to expand the scope of inspections to include private residences.