The U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon has asked Israel to cede the Ali al-Taher hill in Nabatieh as political and military negotiations between the two countries proceed on separate tracks in Rome and Tampa.
U.S. Ambassador Michel Issa has requested that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hand over the Ali al-Taher hill to Lebanon during discussions aimed at resolving the maritime boundary dispute. The hill has become a focal point in negotiations over the future military deployment and Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
Political negotiations are set to take place in Rome, while military talks may be held in Tampa, Florida, according to sources who spoke to Saudi channel Al-Hadath. The U.S. is mediating between all parties in the discussions.
Israel has stated its willingness to withdraw fully from Lebanon only if it receives security guarantees regarding its border, but it is refusing further withdrawals from the south until work in the so-called pilot zones is completed. The pilot zones are areas where Lebanese forces are to take up positions ahead of any broader Israeli pullback.
Lebanon has assured American officials that it is fulfilling its obligations in the pilot zones without public announcements. The two countries have not yet reached agreement on which nation would monitor Lebanese army operations in the south.
Israel has demanded that Lebanon take clear steps to counter Hezbollah capabilities, amid reports that Lebanese military leadership may favour the group. American and Israeli sources have characterized the Lebanese army as lacking the will to confront Hezbollah, reflecting growing pressure tied to security arrangements required in the south.
Lebanon and Israel are officially discussing the fate of Israelis missing since the 1980s, adding a sensitive issue to the ongoing American-mediated talks. September 15-16 have been set for the next round of negotiations in Rome, with Lebanon seeking fruitful discussions ahead of an army support conference scheduled for September 17 in Paris.
