Lead:
Lebanese political figures and international observers are preparing for renewed diplomatic talks in Rome next week while Israeli military operations intensify in the south, according to multiple sources. The simultaneous escalation and negotiation effort reflects deep tensions over whether Lebanon can reach a sustainable ceasefire agreement. Key players include former minister Ziad Baroud, Maronite Patriarch Cardinal Bechara Boutros al-Rai, and various parliamentary delegations, all weighing the prospects and pitfalls of continued talks amid active hostilities.
Details:
According to Al-Akhbar, the United States is adopting an "executive protocol" framework that gives Israel significant authority over decisions regarding civilian returns to southern Lebanese territories. The report indicates the Lebanese government delegation to Rome is expanding to include civilian members, though sources suggest this represents a concession rather than a strengthening of the negotiating position. Al-Akhbar warns that Israel's policy of destroying southern villages and maintaining military pressure in border zones continues unabated, raising questions about the viability of any agreement reached under such conditions.
Former minister Ziad Baroud told Al-Diaar that "Rome 2" negotiations are not a final settlement but rather a continuation of implementing the "Framework Agreement." He noted that Lebanon's trajectory remains tied to broader regional developments, particularly regarding Iran and Turkish movements. Baroud's statement suggests Lebanese officials view the talks as part of a larger, ongoing process rather than a comprehensive resolution.
Multiple sources report ongoing Israeli military operations: Al-Akhbar and Annahar document Israeli strikes targeting civilians near Srbin, large explosions in Kunin (Bent Jbeil) and al-Tayyiba (Marjayoun), and fires affecting olive groves between Kafr Kila and Yaroun. The Lebanese Army reported five soldiers sustained minor wounds from a drone strike on a civilian vehicle near Srbin, where forces were accompanying two families. Israel's Kan news outlet revealed a security breach involving reserve soldiers purchasing items from locals — an unusual operational slip.
According to Kan, the Israeli military announced the withdrawal of Brigade 401's combat team from southern Lebanon after approximately eight months of operations. However, the continued airstrikes and explosions indicate sustained military pressure despite the battalion rotation.
Maronite Patriarch al-Rai reiterated on Saturday that "peace is a national decision protecting Lebanon and its people," emphasizing that stability requires a strong state and army — a statement appearing to condition peace efforts on internal institutional reforms rather than external agreements alone.
Watch For:
When Rome 2 talks formally resume and what, if any, written framework emerges; whether Israel's military operations intensify or pause around the negotiation schedule; whether the expanded Lebanese delegation effectively changes substantive positions or merely adds civilian cover to existing government commitments.