Israel, Lebanon delegations to meet in Rome on August 4 for new negotiations round, official says

Lebanon and Israel are scheduled to convene for a new round of U.S.-brokered talks on August 4 in Italy, aiming to finalize the implementation of a framework deal designed to permanently end hostilities. This marks a significant step following a new war that erupted in March between Israel and the Lebanese group Hezbollah, itself part of a wider regional conflict. The ambassador-level direct meetings are unusual for nations that remain formally at war and have lacked diplomatic relations for decades.

These talks, which have been ongoing for over three months, produced a framework agreement late last month. This agreement outlines the disarmament of Hezbollah, a progressive withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of Lebanese troops in vacated areas. The discussions have now shifted to the Italian capital, where delegations will focus on the technical details and guidelines for "pilot zones" – specific geographical areas where the phased implementation process will occur.

The first phase of Israeli withdrawal under the pilot zone program has already begun. Israeli forces recently pulled out of the southern Lebanese town of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh, and the Lebanese army commenced deployment there. However, residents have been advised to delay their return until the area is cleared of unexploded ordnance. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam visited the town, planting a Lebanese flag and pledging efforts to reopen roads, clear rubble, and restore public services. While Salam acknowledged the withdrawal as a significant first step, Lebanon continues to press for a complete Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory, maintaining that Israel still occupies a buffer zone along the border.

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Israel's withdrawal was a significant first step but that Lebanon wanted a full Israeli withdrawal from all Lebanese territory.