Lead:

Lebanon's cabinet is engaging international financial institutions on post-conflict reconstruction while direct talks between Lebanese and Israeli delegations continue in Rome under American mediation. Finance Minister Yaseen Jaber met World Bank officials to discuss stalled funding and reforms; separately, government ministers visited damaged southern regions to assess destruction. The parallel push for both diplomatic settlement and economic recovery reflects official attempts to stabilize the country despite continued Israeli military operations and internal political disagreements over the negotiation framework.

Details:

Finance Minister Yaseen Jaber received World Bank Beirut office director Enrique Blanco Armas, alongside General Director George Maraawi and Public Debt Directorate officials, to address pending financial reforms and reconstruction financing. According to reporting from multiple outlets, the discussions centered on unlocking World Bank support contingent on Lebanese economic reforms. Economy Minister Amer al-Bassit visited Nabatieh municipality with the General Director of the Ministry to assess damage from ongoing military operations, framing reconstruction as a government priority despite security obstacles.

On the diplomatic front, American sources revealed to MTV that Lebanon's file has expanded beyond two preliminary zones to broader discussions about what the United States will offer the Lebanese state in reconstruction aid. This signals a potential "Washington deal" linking reconstruction to sovereignty concessions, though details remain unconfirmed. The framework agreement already signed in Washington continues to anchor indirect negotiations in Rome, where Lebanese and Israeli delegations are engaged under American sponsorship.

However, resistance to the negotiation process remains vocal within parliament and civil society. According to Al-Akhbar, MP Ali Fayad of the "Loyalty to Resistance" bloc warned that the official Lebanese position is driving the country "to a place of grave danger." Shia Islamic Council Deputy Chairman Sheikh Ali al-Khatib insisted in Friday sermons that Lebanon will not compromise on martyrs' blood and demands full Israeli withdrawal without conditions. These positions directly contradict the framework's acceptance of a phased approach.

Israeli airstrikes and drone operations in southern Lebanon continue unabated. An Israeli helicopter dropped a sonic bomb on the village of Bayut al-Siyyad; drone activity remains intensive across the south. UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) Eastern Sector commander met with Hasbaya Qaaimaqam Riad Sallum to discuss security conditions and development services, underscoring international efforts to maintain stability on the ground.

Watch For:

— Whether Finance Ministry negotiations with the World Bank yield concrete disbursements or remain conditional on political agreement; reconstruction timelines depend critically on funding availability.

— The next round of Rome negotiations and whether the Lebanese delegation secures clarification on American reconstruction commitments or whether talks stall over territorial and sovereignty disputes.

— Parliamentary movement on general amnesty legislation, which collapsed in two recent sessions over disputes about scope and retroactive coverage; internal political fractures may complicate executive pursuit of international agreements.