Lebanon and Israel have resumed US-brokered negotiations in Rome aimed at implementing a framework agreement designed to end months of fighting, with Lebanese officials seeking concrete progress toward an Israeli military withdrawal from southern Lebanon.
The discussions, taking place over two days at the US Embassy in the Italian capital, come amid renewed diplomatic efforts to enforce a ceasefire framework agreed in late June. Despite the renewed engagement, officials on both sides have acknowledged that expectations for an immediate breakthrough remain limited.
The latest diplomatic push follows the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah on March 2, despite ongoing mediation led by the United States. Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, has continued to oppose the negotiations, insisting that sustained Iranian pressure on Washington is the only path to ending the conflict and securing a full Israeli withdrawal.
Iran had previously linked an end to the fighting in Lebanon to its interim agreement with the United States signed last month. However, that understanding has come under strain following renewed tensions between Washington and Tehran in the Gulf.
Israel continues to maintain military positions inside what it describes as a security buffer zone extending roughly 10 kilometres into southern Lebanon. Israeli officials say the deployment is necessary to prevent future cross-border attacks by Hezbollah and protect communities in northern Israel.
A framework agreement reached in Washington on June 26 called for an end to hostilities, the disarmament of armed groups, the deployment of Lebanese troops across southern Lebanon, and the phased withdrawal of Israeli forces. The provision on disarmament is widely viewed as referring to Hezbollah.
However, Israeli military operations have continued despite the agreement, while Hezbollah has rejected calls to disarm. Israel has maintained that its forces will remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah no longer poses a security threat.
Lebanese officials said their delegation would use the Rome talks to press for a gradual Israeli withdrawal, with troops leaving designated areas in stages to allow the Lebanese army to deploy under a pilot implementation plan.
The pilot initiative identifies two initial zones where Hezbollah would relinquish its presence, Israeli forces would withdraw, and Lebanese troops would assume responsibility before the process expands to additional areas.
A US official said last week that the US Central Command (CENTCOM) is coordinating with both governments to launch the pilot program. A US military delegation also visited Lebanon over the weekend to discuss implementation details with the Lebanese Armed Forces.
Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Italy was honoured to host the negotiations, expressing hope that the Rome meetings would help move both sides closer to a lasting ceasefire.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun also expressed optimism ahead of the talks, saying he hoped they would produce practical steps toward implementing the agreement and pave the way for the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon.
Since the conflict escalated in March, Israel has carried out extensive military operations across southern Lebanon, saying it has destroyed Hezbollah infrastructure, including underground tunnel networks. Lebanese authorities say the offensive has killed more than 4,000 people and displaced more than one million residents.
Israel says at least 32 of its soldiers and four civilians have been killed in attacks carried out by Hezbollah since the latest phase of the conflict began.
Goodness Anunobi
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