During diplomatic talks held in Rome on Thursday, Israel signaled it would not move forward with a withdrawal from southern Lebanon under current conditions. According to a Lebanese presidential source speaking to AFP, Israel’s position is that any further retreat from the region must be preceded by the Lebanese army assuming complete operational control over two specific 'pilot zones.'

The discussions highlight the ongoing tension regarding security arrangements in the border region. While the report focuses on the Israeli refusal to vacate more territory, it does not detail the specific timeline or the broader security guarantees Israel is seeking from the Lebanese government or international mediators. The requirement for the Lebanese army to demonstrate control serves as a primary benchmark for Israel before it considers further redeployment.

There is currently no official statement from Israeli authorities confirming the details of these specific negotiations, nor has there been a public response from the Lebanese military regarding their capacity or willingness to meet these conditions. The situation remains fluid as diplomatic efforts continue to address the security vacuum in southern Lebanon, with the primary point of friction being the sequence of withdrawal versus the establishment of local security control.