Lebanon and Israel are engaged in a second day of United States-brokered talks in Rome, focusing on Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon. However, significant disagreements persist over the disarmament of Hezbollah, casting doubt on immediate progress, according to a senior Lebanese official.

The negotiations, the second session of the second round in Rome and seventh overall, aim to solidify a fragile ceasefire and build upon a June framework agreement. Previous sessions have included five rounds held in Washington.

Tuesday’s discussions were divided into political and military tracks. During the political meeting, Lebanon presented its stance on the border demarcation. The military track addressed the verification mechanisms for security arrangements, specifically concerning Israel's withdrawal and the issue of Hezbollah's weaponry. The Lebanese official noted that Israel has not yet committed to a ceasefire, and for the first time, Israel has stepped back from demanding Hezbollah's disarmament be addressed before the border issue.

A key point of contention is Ali Taher Hill, a strategically important elevated area near Nabatieh. Israel claims it houses a Hezbollah command center and underground arms facilities, proposing the Lebanese army secure the site and dismantle the group's infrastructure as a "pilot zone." Lebanon, however, disputes the presence of Israeli units there that would need to be replaced.

The talks also explored the designation of a third party to oversee the verification of Israel's withdrawal and the Lebanese army's assumption of security control in the affected areas. Italy has been mentioned as a potential candidate. Lebanon has proposed Khiam or Bint Jbeil as the next "pilot zone," where the Lebanese army would assume full security responsibility, including preventing Hezbollah's return, in exchange for a limited Israeli pullback.

Progress was previously made in an earlier Rome round, leading to an Israeli withdrawal from the outskirts of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh. Following this, the Lebanese army deployed, and residents returned after survey and clearance operations.

Lebanon also seeks a halt to large-scale demolitions and bombings by Israel in the south, citing a recent strike near the historic Beaufort Castle. The current round of talks is not expected to result in further Israeli withdrawals due to the ongoing impasse over Hezbollah's disarmament.

These discussions highlight the complex and deeply rooted security concerns that continue to divide Lebanon and Israel, even as international efforts seek to establish a lasting peace in the region.