Lebanon to reject direct military co-ordination with Israel at Florida talks

Lebanon has decided against direct military coordination with Israel during upcoming talks in Florida, officials revealed ahead of the resumption of negotiations. The diplomats anticipate limited progress before Israel's upcoming legislative elections next week. The talks, which brought together military delegations from Lebanon and Israel in Tampa, aim to negotiate Israel's withdrawal from southern Lebanon.

The Israeli condition for withdrawal is Hezbollah's disarmament, however, Lebanon is refusing to accept direct military coordination with Israel. One Lebanese political official stated, "We always tell them 'no, we will not do that.'" The talks will continue to involve American mediation, as Lebanon maintains that there must be a third party for verification.

The verification mechanism, which would oversee the agreements in "pilot zones," remains untested and lacks an agreed process to ensure compliance from all sides. Israel persistently demands Hezbollah's disarmament as a prerequisite for its withdrawal, and questions the Lebanese Armed Forces' capability to carry out the process.

Political uncertainty in Israel due to upcoming elections has further impeded talks, with Lebanese officials expecting minimal movement on contentious issues until the election is concluded. One source suggested mounting pressure on Lebanon to demonstrate progress in expanding the authority of the state, even if it means taking small steps against Hezbollah.

However, all Lebanese officials interviewed by The National expressed low expectations for the talks, considering them primarily technical and an opportunity to reiterate their demands for Israel to fully withdraw from the occupied south.