Israel-Lebanon talks set for mid-July in Rome

ROME: Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to hold direct talks in Rome later this month, with the meeting to take place at ambassador level on July 15 and 16, according to Italy’s foreign ministry.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani announced the development on X, saying the next round of discussions between Israel and Lebanon, mediated by the United States, would be held in the Italian capital. A spokesperson for the foreign ministry said the talks were set for July 15 and 16.

"We welcome with pleasure the announcement that the next round of talks between Israel and Lebanon mediated by the US will take place in Rome,"

The planned meeting follows several rounds of discussions in Washington that were aimed at easing tensions. According to the Italian side, this will be the sixth round of talks since spring between the two neighbouring countries, which do not maintain diplomatic relations and remain technically in a state of war.

Framework agreement after ceasefire

Last month, Israel, Lebanon and the United States signed a framework agreement intended to pursue what was described as lasting peace. The agreement was reached five days after a fragile ceasefire came into effect following renewed fighting between Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

Under the framework, the Lebanese army is to reassert its authority in the country’s south, beginning with pilot zones from which Israeli forces would pull back.

Fresh strike in southern Lebanon

Even as diplomatic efforts continue, violence has persisted. According to Beirut, Israeli attacks on Lebanon have killed about 4,300 people over the past four months.

On Monday, at least four people were killed when an Israeli drone struck a car in southern Lebanon, Lebanese state media reported. Those killed included a school principal and her mother. The victims had been returning after checking on their family home in Nabatieh al-Fawqa when the vehicle was hit.