HEZBOLLAH DISARMAMENT PLAN: Britain, Italy, Switzerland And Indonesia Eyed For Verification Mission

Israel and Lebanon have identified Britain, Italy, Switzerland and Indonesia as potential contributors to an international verification mechanism for Hezbollah's disarmament, according to discussions held in Rome last week with U.S. Mediation. The proposal would allow these countries to help shape the verification framework, provide personnel to oversee implementation, or contribute troops to inspect and confirm Hezbollah's disarmament as part of implementing a June agreement tied to Israel's phased withdrawal from Lebanon.

Negotiations remain in early stages, with one source describing participants as "cautiously optimistic" About progress, though significant details remain unresolved. A central point of contention involves the scope of inspections. Two sources indicated that villages in southern Lebanon could be inspected and certified as weapons-free, but Israel is seeking to extend inspections into private homes. The Lebanese army has resisted such searches over concerns they could provoke tensions in southern Lebanon and with Hezbollah. Lebanese security officials have stated warrants would be required for each property searched. A foreign security official noted that questions about private property inspections - including who would conduct them and the procedures involved - still require resolution.

The scope of movement granted to any deployed foreign forces would also need clear definition. Israel maintains a declared security zone extending 10 kilometers into southern Lebanon and has stated it will not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed. Any foreign force deployment would require an agreed mandate, likely through a formal Lebanese government invitation under a framework acceptable to Israel.

The United States and Israel are considered unlikely to accept United Nations involvement, while European countries may resist oversight by President Donald Trump's Board of Peace. Switzerland's foreign ministry said it was exploring support for "various stabilization processes," While a British spokesperson said Britain was prepared to support de-escalation efforts and long-term security, particularly in southern Lebanon.