Hezbollah’s attempts to wreck Beirut-Jerusalem talks failing, experts tell ‘Post’

Despite ongoing Hezbollah attacks and Israeli retaliatory strikes, talks between Beirut and Jerusalem are progressing, according to experts. These discussions, held in Rome last week, follow a US-brokered agreement from June aimed at neutralizing Hezbollah's threat from southern Lebanon and facilitating an Israeli withdrawal. Hezbollah has condemned the talks, threatening civil war and urging Lebanese officials to allow Iranian influence. Colonel (res.) Dr. Eran Lerman noted the paradoxical situation, stating, "when violence erupts, it's more difficult for the Lebanese government to carry on a conversation." However, he added that Israel must demonstrate its capability to reduce Hezbollah's power for the Lebanese government to pursue a better future. David Schenker, a Taube Senior Fellow, described Hezbollah's actions as "a lot of background noise," believing Beirut remains committed to the process. Challenges include managing internal Lebanese divisions, addressing the issue of private property where weapons caches are suspected, and replacing Hezbollah's civil infrastructure, which is crucial for achieving lasting peace.