Lebanon-Israel peace talks to split between Rome and Florida as elections loom
The next phase of Lebanon-Israel negotiations will hold military talks in Florida and political talks in Rome, with no breakthrough expected before Israel’s upcoming elections as Israeli forces continue operations in the south.
According to insiders, the forthcoming round of Lebanon-Israel negotiations will be divided, with military delegations meeting in Florida and political representatives convening in Rome. The split reflects a growing pessimism that the US-brokered process can achieve a breakthrough before Israel’s elections next month. Lebanese officials say they are trapped in the existing framework, noting Israel’s opposition to bringing France into the talks.
At the same time, Israeli forces have taken control of the strategic Ali Taher heights and planted a flag in Kfarshouba, a still-populated border village, while air strikes continue in southern Lebanon, including the burial of 13 victims in Kafr Remman. The talks aim to establish pilot zones that would eventually lead to an Israeli withdrawal, Hezbollah disarmament, and full Lebanese control, but Israeli plans to retain a narrow strip of territory cast doubt on those goals.
How this story developed
- Sep 1 Israeli prime minister's wife faces libel claim over Oct. 7 accusations
- Sep 7 Ed Miliband said Britain would ban goods from West Bank settlements and sanction firms supporting settlement expansion, citing evidence of war crimes and the need for a two-state solution. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis warned the policy could increase anti-Semitic attacks on the UK Jewish community. Conservative minister Kemi Badenoch and other Tory leaders accused Labour of political posturing that could strain relations with Israel and the United States.
- Sep 7 Latest reports put the civilian death toll at up to twelve.
- Sep 8 Updated reports put the death toll at up to 12 and note the death of an 18‑year‑old rescue worker.
- Sep 8 Netanyahu publicly alleged that officials deliberately kept him asleep on Oct. 7.
- Sep 8 Sara Netanyahu announced a libel lawsuit against Yair Golan over claims of his prior knowledge of the Oct. 7 attacks.
- Sep 9 The sanctions were announced immediately before the start of Rosh Hashanah.
- Sep 9 Israel closed the British consulate in East Jerusalem and barred twelve British nationals after the UK’s settlement trade ban.
- Sep 9 Netanyahu faces mounting internal and international pressure ahead of the October Knesset election as the United Kingdom prepares sanctions on West Bank goods.
- Sep 9 Eight Arab and Muslim states publicly praised the United Kingdom’s ban on settlement products.
- Sep 10 The Israeli military announced it has demolished a Hezbollah tunnel system on the Ali al-Taher ridge in southern Lebanon, saying the strike ends its underground presence there.
- Sep 10 Israeli opposition parties offered no substantive response to the UK sanctions.
- Sep 11 Israeli leaders announced that the Hezbollah tunnel network on Ali Taher ridge had been destroyed.
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