'If Hezbollah stays, we stay': Israel sets terms before Lebanon talks in Rome

Israel and Lebanon are holding a sixth round of talks in Rome, focusing on Israel's "pilot zones" plan in southern Lebanon. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Michael Leiter stated that any Israeli withdrawal and further progress depend on the dismantling of Hezbollah's presence. He emphasized, "If Hezbollah is not dismantled, then we have to stay in our security zone." The talks, attended by ambassadors, aim to bridge gaps before a larger session next month, with a focus on reviewing pilot zone progress, expanding the Lebanese army's deployment, and security coordination under U.S. mediation. Leiter added, "What the agreement with Lebanon does is completely remove Iran from the paradigm." Lebanon seeks an accelerated Israeli withdrawal and greater control, while Israel wants more robust Lebanese army action against Hezbollah. A Lebanese diplomatic source indicated the Lebanese army is prepared to take control of villages from which the IDF withdraws.