New Round of Israel-Lebanon Talks Set August 4

The United States has announced that the next round of U.S.-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon is scheduled to take place in Rome from August 4 to 6. This development comes as Israel prepares to withdraw from two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani initially revealed the upcoming talks, with a State Department official providing further details on condition of anonymity. The technical groups meeting in Rome will focus on advancing the full implementation of the existing framework agreement. Discussions are expected to cover the expansion of the pilot zone process, the resolution of all outstanding border issues, and the pursuit of a comprehensive peace and security agreement. This framework deal emerged following the outbreak of war between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in March, amidst broader regional conflict. The agreement stipulates an end to the war in Lebanon, the disarmament of Hezbollah, the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from the country through the designated pilot zones. The U.S. official noted that the experience gained from the initial zones will be crucial for refining the implementation process for future expansion. Meanwhile, the Lebanese army has condemned ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon, asserting that these actions hinder the country's ability to fully deploy its forces as stipulated by the framework deal. Beirut has reported continued Israeli strikes and shelling in the south, despite a general lull in fighting.

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In Rome, technical groups will focus on advancing the full implementation of the framework agreement.