The next round of military-level talks between Israel and Lebanon is expected on October 20 and 22 at CENTCOM headquarters in Tampa, Florida.
While the Lebanese government publicly presses Israel for further withdrawals, Beirut understands that such expectations are unrealistic as long as the Lebanese army fails to deliver on its commitments.
A senior Israeli security official tells me that there is virtually no progress on the ground. Israel is directing and assisting the Lebanese army, including by providing intelligence, but Hezbollah infrastructure is not being dismantled as promised and the LAF does not assert itself.
Israel assesses that the army's inaction stems either from fear of Hezbollah or cooperation with the terror group from within the military. The result, either way, is the same.
Despite the frustration, Israeli officials say the current situation is not necessarily bad for Israel: the agreement allows the IDF to act independently to eliminate threats and push Hezbollah back. Still, the IDF acknowledges that Hezbollah is attempting to rebuild its capabilities and replenish its weapons arsenal.
Another major development on the Lebanese front: the expected departure of 7,000 UNIFIL personnel at the end of the year, after the UN force also failed to fulfill its mandate.
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