WASHINGTON: The United States has confirmed that the next round of Israel-Lebanon negotiations will take place in Rome from August 4 to 6, with discussions set to focus on implementing a US-backed framework agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the border and advancing Israeli troop withdrawals from southern Lebanon.
A US State Department official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said technical teams from both sides would meet in the Italian capital to discuss the next phase of the agreement as Israel prepares to withdraw from two pilot zones in southern Lebanon.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had announced the talks last week, with Washington formally confirming the schedule on Monday.
What Will Be Discussed at the Rome Israel-Lebanon Talks?
According to the US official, the Rome meetings will focus on the full implementation of the framework agreement reached after fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement escalated on March 2.
The agenda includes expanding the pilot zone process, resolving outstanding border issues, and advancing work toward a broader peace and security agreement between the two countries.
“The experience of the initial zones will help us perfect pilot-zone implementation so it can expand in a phased manner,” the US official said.
The framework agreement calls for an end to hostilities in Lebanon, the deployment of Lebanese armed forces in the country’s south, the disarmament of Hezbollah, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from designated areas.
Why Are the Talks Significant for Regional Stability?
The negotiations come as Lebanon continues to report intermittent Israeli airstrikes and artillery shelling despite a relative reduction in hostilities.
The Lebanese army said on Sunday that ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon were hindering its full deployment under the terms of the agreement.
Washington has been mediating the negotiations in an effort to stabilize the Israel-Lebanon border following months of conflict that formed part of the wider regional crisis.
Officials hope progress in Rome will facilitate Israel’s planned withdrawal from additional areas, strengthen the deployment of Lebanese security forces, and create conditions for a more comprehensive peace and security arrangement.
The three-day talks are expected to conclude on August 6, with both sides seeking further implementation of the US-mediated framework agreement.