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Lebanon, Israel Conclude 'Positive' Talks on Southern Zone Implementation
🇯🇲 Jamaica /Conflict & Security

Lebanon, Israel Conclude 'Positive' Talks on Southern Zone Implementation

From Jamaica Observer · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Lebanon and Israel concluded two days of U.S.-mediated negotiations in Rome aimed at de-escalating conflict.
  • The talks focused on implementing "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon as part of a framework deal to end the state of war.
  • Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, and Israel insists on maintaining a security zone along the border as long as the group remains armed.

Lebanon and Israel have concluded a new round of U.S.-mediated negotiations in Rome, with both sides agreeing to implement "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon as part of a broader framework deal. A U.S. official described the two days of discussions as "productive and positive," stating that participants agreed on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zone process, which is expected to be finalized and implemented in the coming days.

Talks concluded after two days of productive and positive discussions.

— US officialDescribing the outcome of the negotiations in Rome.

These negotiations, held in the Italian capital, follow a framework agreement reached last month after five rounds of talks in Washington. Lebanese negotiators are seeking progress on an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The current deal aims to end the state of war between Israel and Hezbollah, facilitate the disarmament of the Iran-backed militant group, and lead to the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, with Israeli forces gradually withdrawing.

However, the agreement faces significant hurdles. Hezbollah has rejected the deal, and Israeli officials have stated their forces will maintain a 10-kilometer-deep "security zone" along the frontier for as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed his country's readiness to move forward with implementing the two pilot zones.

agreed on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zone process, to be finalised and implemented in the coming days

— US officialDetailing the progress made during the talks.

The negotiations began after Hezbollah drew Lebanon into the broader Middle East conflict by attacking Israel in March. The U.S. official indicated that the parties will now proceed to expanded technical talks to implement all aspects of the Trilateral Framework, aiming for a comprehensive agreement. This development occurs against a backdrop of fragile ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah war, with Israel continuing occasional strikes in southern Lebanon.

ready to move forward implementing these two pilot zones

— Gideon SaarIsraeli Foreign Minister, commenting on the agreement.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jamaica Observer in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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