The United States has confirmed that the next round of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Rome, Italy, from August 4 to 6, with negotiations expected to focus on Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and unresolved border issues.
The announcement comes as Israel prepares to withdraw from two designated pilot zones in southern Lebanon under a US-backed framework agreement aimed at reducing tensions and strengthening regional security.
Rome talks to focus on withdrawal and border issues
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani first announced the upcoming negotiations last week. A US State Department official later confirmed the schedule to AFP on condition of anonymity.
According to the official, technical working groups meeting in Rome will focus on advancing the full implementation of the existing framework agreement.
The discussions are expected to include:
- Expanding the pilot-zone withdrawal process
- Resolving outstanding Israel-Lebanon border disputes
- Advancing a broader peace and security agreement
- Strengthening implementation mechanisms on the ground
The US official said lessons learned from the initial pilot zones would help improve the phased implementation of future withdrawals.
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Framework agreement followed regional conflict
The Israel-Lebanon framework agreement was reached after fighting erupted between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah on March 2, amid the wider conflict in the Middle East.
The agreement outlines several key commitments, including:
- Ending hostilities in Lebanon
- The disarmament of Hezbollah
- Deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces in southern Lebanon
- A gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated pilot zones
The framework is intended to reduce military tensions while laying the groundwork for longer-term stability along the shared border.
Lebanese army raises concerns
Despite progress under the agreement, the Lebanese army has expressed concern over continued Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.
On Sunday, the army said ongoing Israeli strikes and artillery shelling were preventing its full deployment in accordance with the framework deal.
Lebanese authorities have continued to report intermittent military activity in southern areas despite the overall reduction in fighting.
US aims for broader peace framework
Washington says the Rome negotiations are designed not only to oversee the implementation of the current agreement but also to pave the way for a comprehensive peace and security arrangement between Israel and Lebanon.
The upcoming talks are expected to be closely watched as both sides attempt to address longstanding border disputes while preventing a renewed escalation in the region.
