Rome to host next Israel-Lebanon talks from August 4
The United States has confirmed that Israel and Lebanon will hold another round of talks in Rome from August 4 to 6. The discussions will focus on implementing their framework agreement and expanding the pilot zone process in southern Lebanon.
WASHINGTON: The next round of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon will take place in Rome from August 4 to 6, a US State Department official said, as Israel prepares to pull back from two “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani had announced the meeting last week. A State Department official said the Rome discussions would bring together technical groups to push forward the full implementation of the framework agreement between the two sides.
The official said the agenda includes “expanding the pilot zone process, resolving all outstanding border issues, and working on a comprehensive peace and security agreement.” The official added, “The experience of the initial zones will help us perfect pilot-zone implementation so it can expand in a phased manner.”
The framework agreement was reached after war broke out between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement on March 2, amid the wider conflict in the Middle East. It provides for an end to the war in Lebanon, the disarmament of Hezbollah, the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, and a gradual Israeli military withdrawal from Lebanese territory through the two pilot zones.
The diplomatic effort comes as tensions persist on the ground despite a reduction in fighting. Lebanon’s army said on Sunday that continuing Israeli military activity in the south was hindering its full deployment under the agreement, while Beirut has reported intermittent Israeli strikes and artillery fire in the area.
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