The 'mechanism' faces a decisive development... Washington announces solution soon

The U.S. State Department is preparing to announce next week progress in the trilateral agreement track with the Lebanese and Israeli governments after weeks of stagnation. Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed his team to complete monitoring mechanisms for the 'model areas' in southern Lebanon and set a framework for an economic and financial support conference for Lebanon by mid-month. The mechanism faces Israeli objections to the participation of several countries, including France, while Washington does not intend to send U.S. troops to the south. The discussions include Hezbollah's funding file, with sources saying it raised at least $40 million monthly this year through smuggling and forgery after Iran stopped sending money. The Lebanese government told Washington it is taking reform and security measures, and Trump linked lifting air transport restrictions to measures at Beirut airport.