The US State Department has confirmed that the next round of talks between Israel and Lebanon will be held in Rome from August 4 to 6, as Israel prepares to withdraw from two 'pilot zones' in southern Lebanon. The talks aim to advance the full implementation of the framework agreement, expand the pilot zone process, resolve outstanding border issues, and work on a comprehensive peace and security agreement.
Framework Deal Background
The Israel-Lebanon framework deal emerged after the outbreak of war between Israel and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah on March 2. The deal calls for an end to the war in Lebanon, disarmament of Hezbollah, the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from two 'pilot zones' in southern Lebanon.
Talks Objectives
In Rome, technical groups will focus on advancing the full implementation of the framework agreement. The planned discussions include expanding the pilot zone process, resolving all outstanding border issues, and working on a comprehensive peace and security agreement. The experience from the initial zones will help perfect the pilot-zone implementation for a phased expansion.
Lebanon's army has condemned Israel's ongoing military operations in the south, arguing that it is preventing its full deployment under the framework deal. Despite a lull in fighting, Beirut has reported intermittent Israeli strikes and artillery shelling in the south.
