The seventh round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations in Rome ended prematurely and without agreement on expanding the existing "pilot zones", as violence on the ground further complicated already difficult discussions.
Despite the setback, a US official insisted the talks had been "highly productive" and would resume on Thursday morning.
Dispute over withdrawals remains unresolved
The proposed framework calls for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to withdraw from limited areas, the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and the verified removal of Hezbollah weapons and infrastructure.
Implementation has already begun in the areas of Frun, Srifa and Zawtar al-Gharbiya, but progress has been slow.
Beirut proposed Bint Jbeil or Al-Khiam as the next locations for implementation and requested a new 60-day ceasefire. Israel rejected both proposals, insisting that any further withdrawal must be preceded by a verified dismantling of militant infrastructure.
Deep divisions persist
The central disagreement remains unchanged.
Lebanon is demanding an Israeli withdrawal first so that its army can assume control of the territory. Israel maintains that it will not leave the security zone without proof that Hezbollah cannot re-establish a presence there.
Hezbollah, which is not participating in the negotiations, rejects any disarmament process and has described the initiative as a "humiliation", creating increasing friction with the Lebanese government.
Blast kills two soldiers
The fragile situation deteriorated after an explosion inside a booby-trapped building in Majdal Zoun.
According to Israeli and Lebanese reports, two soldiers from the 55th Brigade were killed and seven others injured. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.
Israeli strikes follow
Israel responded by issuing an evacuation warning for Al-Mansouri, the first such warning since the June ceasefire.
Israeli forces subsequently carried out strikes in the area and in Tebnine. Lebanese authorities said the attacks left one person dead and eleven others injured.
Talks continue despite mounting tensions
Although the latest violence intensified tensions and forced an early end to discussions on Wednesday, the negotiations have not officially collapsed.
Delegations are expected to continue talks as mediators seek to bridge differences over Israeli troop withdrawals, security arrangements and the future status of Hezbollah's military infrastructure.
Source: CNA
