Multinational Task Force Proposed to Verify Hezbollah Disarmament in Lebanon

British troops are expected to be part of a multinational task force responsible for verifying Hezbollah has disarmed, a key step in a deal that would allow Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon. However, a Lebanese official has denied that a final agreement on the participating countries has been reached.

The potential task force, which could also include representatives from Italy, Switzerland, and Indonesia, emerged from U.S.-mediated talks in Rome last week. The verification mechanism is a crucial component of a framework agreement brokered by the United States and signed by Israel and Lebanon on June 26. That deal links Israel's phased withdrawal from a security zone it occupies in southern Lebanon to the verified disarmament of all non-state armed groups by the Lebanese government.

Hezbollah, which is not a party to the agreement, has rejected disarming. The conflict was triggered in March when the Iran-backed group attacked Israel, following the start of the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the shortlisted countries could help define the scope of the verification process, provide personnel to oversee it, or contribute troops...