Virtual Israeli-Lebanese-US meeting to be held Friday

An Israeli-Lebanese-U.S. military meeting is scheduled for Friday, to be conducted electronically, focusing on military specifics and the finalization of two pilot zones. The discussions are intended to set a start date for implementing a framework agreement aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict.

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Talks concluded after two days of productive and positive discussions.

Lebanon and Israel concluded two days of talks in Rome on Wednesday, which a U.S. State Department official described as "productive and positive." Participants agreed on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zone process, with further technical talks planned to implement all aspects of the Trilateral Framework. The ultimate goal is a comprehensive agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

The U.S.-brokered negotiations follow a framework agreement reached last month in Washington. Lebanese negotiators are pushing for an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon. The proposed deal seeks to end the state of war between Israel and Hezbollah, disarm the Iran-backed militant group, and deploy Lebanese troops in the south. However, the agreement, which Hezbollah has rejected, does not specify a timeline for Israel's withdrawal.

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We will now move to expanded technical talks, which will focus on implementing all areas of the Trilateral Framework with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement between Israel and Lebanon.

Israeli officials have stated their forces will remain in a 10-kilometer-deep "security zone" along the border as long as Hezbollah remains armed. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed on Tuesday that his country is "ready to move forward implementing these two pilot zones." Meanwhile, a Lebanese military source reported that the Lebanese army has increased patrols in villages near Israeli-occupied areas in southern Lebanon, preparing for the pilot zone implementation.

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ready to move forward implementing these two pilot zones