Lebanon, Israel agree to more talks as key disputes persist

Lebanon and Israel have agreed to hold additional meetings to continue negotiations following a round of talks in Tampa, Florida, which sources described as positive, though no breakthrough was reached on core issues such as halting Israeli attacks, Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory, and mechanisms for verifying security arrangements, according to a source familiar with the talks who spoke to Al Arabiya/Al Hadath.

The mechanism for verifying the implementation of security arrangements remains a point of contention. Israel is pushing for direct coordination with the Lebanese army, while Beirut prefers that a third party oversee this process, according to Reuters.

During the latest round, the Lebanese army reviewed progress in designated pilot areas under the security arrangements, as well as recent operations thwarting smuggling along the Syrian border. Prior to the talks, the Lebanese presidency announced that its military delegation would demand a halt to Israeli attacks, and Beirut continues to insist on establishing a verification mechanism to enable progress in pilot areas and prepare for the deployment of the Lebanese army.

The negotiations are part of US efforts to advance the implementation of a framework agreement between Lebanon and Israel, aimed at improving security in southern Lebanon by expanding the Lebanese army's presence and facilitating the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanese territory, alongside addressing the issue of Hezbollah's weapons.

However, implementation of the agreement faces obstacles, as Israeli attacks continue and Hezbollah refuses to disarm as long as Israeli forces remain in Lebanon, according to Reuters.

Despite agreeing to continue talks, the latest round did not resolve disputes over halting attacks, Israeli withdrawal, or verification mechanisms for security arrangements. Future rounds will depend on whether real progress can be made on these issues.