US says fully committed to supporting Lebanon and Israel after seventh round of talks

The United States has reiterated its "fully committed" stance to supporting both Lebanon and Israel as a new round of U.S.-sponsored negotiations took place in Rome. State Department spokesman Tommy Pigott emphasized the U.S. goal of fostering lasting security for both nations, removing security threats to Israel, and re-establishing Lebanese state authority across southern Lebanon.

These talks follow a framework agreement reached in Washington in June. That deal outlines the disarmament of Hezbollah, a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese army to designated "pilot zones."

According to a U.S. State Department official, this seventh round of discussions was set to focus on expanding the pilot zone process, resolving outstanding border issues, and advancing a comprehensive peace and security agreement between the two countries.

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The United States remains fully committed to supporting both governments as they carry this process forward in a manner that delivers lasting security for both countries, eliminates security threats to Israel, and restores Lebanese state authority throughout the south.