The talks in the Italian capital are part of a series of direct political contacts that have been taking place since mid-April for the first time in decades. They are mediated by the United States; Hezbollah is not participating. The two neighboring states have no diplomatic relations.
According to Lebanese government circles, Hezbollah’s underground tunnel network is expected to be a central topic. Experts estimate the network includes command centers, weapons depots, and launch positions. Lebanon expert Nicolas Blanford of the Atlantic Council in Washington described the tunnels as an “extremely important” component of Hezbollah’s military infrastructure.
Just this weekend, the Israeli military, according to Lebanese reports, carried out one of the heaviest waves of destruction since the ceasefire began in June. Explosions occurred in several locations, the state news agency NNA reported. UN Human Rights Commissioner Türk is demanding Israel’s immediate withdrawal from Lebanon and points to possible war crimes.
The framework agreement provides for both the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah by the Lebanese army. Neither point has been implemented so far. Israel makes its remaining military presence dependent on progress in disarmament, while Hezbollah makes cooperation conditional on an Israeli withdrawal.
Source: www.zdfheute.de
