Virtual Lebanese-Israeli-US meeting postponed to prepare files

A planned electronic meeting between Lebanese, Israeli, and U.S. representatives has been postponed to allow for further preparation of necessary files.

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Talks concluded after two days of productive and positive discussions.

The meeting was intended to put final touches on the outcomes of a recent Rome summit, specifically concerning the technical aspects of proposed "pilot zones." These zones are a key component of a U.S.-brokered framework agreement aimed at de-escalating tensions between Lebanon and Israel.

U.S. State Department officials had previously described the Rome talks as "productive and positive," with participants agreeing on the structure and guidelines for the pilot zone process. However, the broader agreement, which seeks an end to the state of war, disarmament of Hezbollah, and Israeli withdrawal, faces significant hurdles. Hezbollah has rejected the deal, and Israel maintains its forces will remain in a security buffer zone along the border as long as the militant group is armed.

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The U.S. official said they 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."

Despite the postponement, Lebanon has reportedly intensified patrols in southern villages near Israeli-occupied areas, signaling preparations for the potential implementation of the pilot zones. The U.S. aims to move towards expanded technical talks to implement all areas of the framework and reach a comprehensive agreement.

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ready to move forward implementing these two pilot zones