Tampa talks to focus on 'verifiable security arrangements'

Discussions at the Lebanese-Israeli military meeting on October 20 will focus on mechanisms for establishing verifiable security arrangements, media reports quoted U.S. State Dept. officials as saying.

“This includes forming a verification committee to ensure that the area south of the Litani River is free of armed appearances, positions and facilities, alongside monitoring Israeli withdrawals and the deployment of the Lebanese Army,” the reports said.

The committee has not yet been formed, although several proposals exist regarding the participation of several countries, such as Jordan, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom and Switzerland.

Discussions are also addressing the expansion of pilot zones, the cessation of Israeli attacks on Lebanon, and the release of captives. However, all of these steps remain contingent on the extent of Israel's responsiveness, with U.S. officials suggesting that serious military and political negotiations will not take place prior to the conclusion of the Israeli elections.