Britain, Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia considered for Hezbollah disarmament verification mission - report
The proposal marks the latest step in implementing a June framework tying Israel's withdrawal from Lebanon to Hezbollah's disarmament
Israel and Lebanon have agreed on Britain, Italy, Switzerland and Indonesia as potential contributors to a proposed mechanism that could see foreign troops deployed to Lebanon to verify Hezbollah's disarmament. According to people familiar with the matter who told Reuters, the shortlist emerged from US-mediated talks in Rome last week, the latest round of negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.
The countries could reportedly help define the mechanism's scope, provide personnel to oversee implementation, or contribute troops to observe or take part in disarmament inspections.
A source with direct knowledge of the matter said discussions were in early stages but described organizers as "cautiously optimistic" the effort would proceed. Switzerland's foreign ministry said it was exploring ways to support "various stabilization processes" without elaborating. A British foreign ministry spokesperson said the UK was ready to support de-escalation and long-term security efforts in southern Lebanon.
Suggested articles
- Trump plans to keep ‘total control' over Hormuz, 'and there is nothing Iran can do about it’ | LIVE BLOG | i24NEWS, Ariel Oseran, Yana Suryadnaya
- Israeli DM Katz instructs IDF to prepare for a long-term stay in Lebanon, Syria and Gaza security zones | i24NEWS
- Israel and Lebanon make ‘structural’ progress toward framework: US official tells i24NEWS the details | Mike Wagenheim
Israel's prime minister's office had no immediate comment, and the Lebanese presidency and Indonesian foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.
Israel's military occupies a declared security zone extending 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon and has said it will not withdraw unilaterally until Hezbollah is disarmed. Two sources said the proposed mechanism would involve inspecting southern Lebanese villages to verify they are weapons-free, with Israel seeking to include private homes in those searches. Lebanon's army has resisted pressure to search private properties over the past year, fearing such searches could inflame tensions with Hezbollah, and security officials have said warrants would be needed for each home.
Sources said the US and Israel were unlikely to accept UN involvement, while European nations may resist oversight by the US-backed Board of Peace.